Geidam Calls For Stronger Synergy With Vet Doctors

FCT Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, has called for enhanced cooperation between the FCTA and the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) to optimize Veterinary services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Secretary made the call when the newly elected officials of the NVMA paid him a visit in his office.

Geidam said NVMA is an essential partner in propelling the livestock sector, which remains a significant contributor to job creation, individual livelihoods, and the national economy.

The FCT Administration, according to him, is responding to this significant role by prioritizing veterinary practice.

His words: “The FCTA will give due attention to the employment of qualified veterinarians with robust continuous training programmes that will help expose them to international best practices that can enhance their capacities to deliver quality animal healthcare services to FCT populace.

Geidam used the occasion to assure that the Administration will build on the successes achieved in animal vaccination and treatment by tapping into the expertise of NVMA members and other key stakeholders.

The Secretary lauded the dedication of veterinary doctors, particularly those working in the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.

“I must commend your members with working with the Secretariat. They are always ready to give their best at all times, particularly during our mass vaccination and treatment exercises,” he said.

Geidam stated that the Secretariat would bolster the work of the Committee established by the FCT Administration to regulate and streamline veterinary practice; assuring that the FCT Administration will do everything to equipp the various veterinary clinics with modern facilities and high-quality medications to enhance veterinary services.

Speaking earlier, the NVMA Chairperson, Dr. Chinna Joe-Iruobe, praised the FCT Administration for its advancements in animal vaccination and clinical operations.

She stressed the significance of government investment in building the capacities of FCT Veterinary Doctors to ensure optimum services are provided to the public.

The Chairperson, however, expressed concern over the activities of unqualified and quack Veterinary practitioners; advising the FCT Administration to provide the necessary backing to the NVMA in its efforts to regulate and enforce compliance to ethical veterinary practices in the FCT.