Farmers Applaud Oyo Govt’s Statewide Livestock Disease Control Initiative

Livestock farmers across Oyo State have lauded Governor Seyi Makinde and the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Adebowale ‘Debo’ Akande, for the ongoing free mass vaccination campaign targeting livestock across the state.

The commendation came during a monitoring exercise of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) vaccination programme at Akinyele, Iseyin and Ofiki, following the official flag-off of the statewide vaccination campaign on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Odo-Eran in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

The Oyo State Government had ealier announced that the initiative would be extended across the 33 local government areas, with a target of over 300,000 heads of livestock. The campaign is designed to curb the spread of major animal diseases, enhance livestock productivity, and strengthen food security.

Speaking during the monitoring exercise, the Animal Health Expert for L-PRES in the state, Dr. Famakinde Samuel, described the vaccination campaign as a strategic intervention to safeguard animal health and improve the economic outcomes of livestock farming.

“This vaccination exercise is designed to curb the spread of animal diseases, improve productivity and protect public health across the state,” he said.

He added that the initiative is part of a broader national effort under the L-PRES project, aimed at repositioning the livestock sector for increased economic impact. According to him, the programme implemented under the supervision of Dr. Akande ensures that livestock farmers in all parts of the state benefit from coordinated vaccination efforts.

Farmers who participated in the exercise expressed satisfaction with the programme, noting its positive impact on animal health and productivity.

The Chairman of Cattle Sellers in Iseyin Local Government Area, Hamsat Kehinde, described the vaccination as timely and beneficial, stating that it helps protect cattle from diseases and improves their immunity. He urged fellow livestock owners to cooperate with vaccination teams and present their animals whenever the exercise reaches their communities.

Similarly, the Seriki Fulani of Atisbo Local Government Area, Muhammadu Sanni, said the vaccines would help protect cattle from infections, especially as animals are often exposed to disease risks while grazing.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for providing the service free of charge, noting that all livestock presented were successfully vaccinated.

Also speaking, Abdullah Garba Alli, Personal Assistant to the chairman of a cattle market, said the initiative had already begun to yield visible improvements in livestock health.

“It is a good idea because we have benefited a lot. Our cattle used to suffer from diseases, but since we began get vaccination for our cows anytime it brought to us, we have seen significant changes,” he said, adding that the exercise was conducted at no cost to farmers.

He commended the state government for supporting livestock farmers and called for sustained implementation of similar programmes to boost agricultural productivity.