OVER 180,000 LIVESTOCK VACCINATED AS FCT AGRIC SECRETARIAT COMMENCE L-PRESS CAMPAIGN

By: Zakari Aliyu

The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)has vaccinated no fewer than one hundred and eighty thousand (180,000) livestock in the first two weeks of L-PRESS supported campaign against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

This achievement follows the delivery of a substantial consignment of 500,000 doses of vaccines from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, procured through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRESS), to the Secretariat.

Speaking at the official presentation of the vaccines, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, represented by Dr. Iliyasu Abubakar of the Veterinary Department, commended the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for the intervention under the L-PRESS project.

Dr. Abubakar noted that the exercise would drastically reduce the prevalence of killer diseases such as CBPP, FMD, PPR and which have long threatened farmers’ livelihoods.

“This is a game-changer for us in the FCT. With these vaccines procured through L-PRESS, we are not just treating sickness; we are preventing outbreaks before they start. This will improve productivity and secure the investments of our farmers.” Dr. Abubakar stated.

Dr. Mohammed Mustapha, the representative from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development who handed over the items, explained that the national vaccination programme under L-PRESS is designed to improve animal health, boost livestock productivity, and ensure food safety and security across the country.

Accordingly, in line with the Mandate Secretary’s directive, the Director of the Veterinary Services Department, Dr. Dandam Karnak, has deployed veterinary doctors and animal health workers to all areas of the Territory to ensure maximum coverage.

A key aspect of the exercise, according to Dr. Dandam, is continuous sensitization and direct engagement with pastoralist communities to secure their full participation.

“We have been going into communities, engaging with herders and farmers, explaining the benefits of vaccination and addressing their concerns. This grassroots approach has been key to getting their trust and participation,” Dr. Dandam noted.

The early success of the campaign has generated optimism among pastoralists. Several expressed hope that, if the momentum is sustained through continued community engagement, the FCT could witness a significant drop in livestock mortality and pave the way for enhanced food security and improved economic returns for livestock keepers across the FCT.