Experts who are concerned by the decline in both the quantity and quality of livestock proteins in Nigeria have gathered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to brainstorm on how to enhance livestock production in the country.
The conference which took place at the university’s Department of Animal Science attracted experts and students in the field of animal science from various regions of the country, as well as alumni of the department, who collectively returned to their alma mater for the first time.
The keynote speaker, Prof Suleiman Elias Bogoro, emphasised the challenges confronting Nigeria’s livestock sector, where he stressed the necessity of modern production systems, innovation, and value chain development in the sector.
Another expert who was the special paper presenter, Emeritus Prof Chijioke Chinagorum Nwosu, emphasised the significance of embracing global best practices in livestock production and to discontinue open grazing. which is currently the norm in the country.
According to Prof Nwosu, the National Assembly should institute fundamental legislation that will advance livestock production across all regions of Nigeria while the need for animals to be properly cared for, nourished, sheltered, and transported when required.
Head of the Department of Animal Science, Prof. Ndubuisi Machebe also highlighted the challenges facing livestock production, such as insufficient funding and infrastructure.
“Interestingly, our alumni around the globe are significantly contributing towards developing innovative solutions to address these challenges,” he said.
The objective of the event, according to Prof. Machebe, was to unite alumni and enhance livestock production in Nigeria to bolster global food security and the production of high-quality animal protein.
On his part, the chairman of the occasion, Raymond Isiadinso, encouraged alumni to support the development of the department, highlighting the importance of the Department of Animal Science in sustainable food production in the country.
He also made a generous donation of N1 million towards the proposed Animal Science Department Alumni Building.
The event represented a noteworthy milestone in the department’s history aimed to foster collaboration and innovation in animal science.
Among the department’s alumni in attendance was HRH Igwe Prof Ikenna Omeje, the Traditional Ruler of Edemani Ibagwa Aka Kingdom, Igbo-Eze South LGA of Enugu State, who served as the royal father of the day.
