Edo Uniquely Positioned To Lead Livestock Revolution S/South region – Official

Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Livestock Development, Hon. Roland Igbadumhe, has said
Edo state is uniquely positioned to lead a livestock revolution in the South-South region.

Igbadumje said this during a bilateral session with international agricultural investors at the 35th annual Sommet de l’Élevage (Livestock Summit) in Clermont-Ferrand, France where he represented the state government.

The four-day summit which commenced on October 6, brought together more than 1,700 exhibitors and over 110,000 agricultural professionals, policymakers, investors and other stakeholders from around the world.

According to him, the Edo state government is leveraging international agricultural partnerships and diplomacy to modernise livestock production and attract investment into the state’s animal husbandry sector.

Igbadumje in a statement, said the state was exploring global expertise and technology to transform livestock farming from largely traditional practices into a commercially viable and technology-driven sector.

“Our presence at Sommet de l’Élevage is not merely ceremonial; it is a targeted effort to source global technology, forge strategic partnerships, and attract foreign direct investment into our state’s growing pastoral and animal production ecosystem,” he said.

Igbadumhe said his participation was part of the Okpebholo administration’s efforts to expand agricultural productivity, improve food security and create jobs through modern livestock production.

“We had a technical discussions with French livestock breeding experts, sustainable feed producers and manufacturers of modern processing equipment during the summit, with a view to identifying technologies and partnerships that could be adapted to Edo State,” he stated.

The adviser said, the state delegation also presented some of the government’s ongoing initiatives, including the development of dedicated livestock grazing reserves, capacity-building programmes for farmers and public-private partnership opportunities in poultry, pig and ruminant production.

He stated that the government was particularly interested in production systems capable of improving productivity while reducing environmental pressure and making livestock farming more profitable for farmers.

Igbadumhe said the relationships and investment opportunities identified at the summit would be incorporated into the state’s livestock development plans.

He noted that the government expected the initiative to contribute to food security, create employment in rural communities and diversify the Edo state economy.