The Federal Government has affirmed its commitment towards a radical transformation in the Agricultural sector, stating that Nigeria will soon turn into a Global powerhouse in food production and food security across various value chains in line with the mandate of the Green Alternative Policy and the Livestock Transformation Agenda of the Present Administration.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono, made this statement during the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), in Abuja on Thursday 5th March 2020.
The Minister charged the members to regulate the standard of the profession in the country ‘’ it is expected that you will pursue the mandate of the Council which among others includes: regulating the standard of training and practice of the Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of the Enabling Act (Veterinary Surgeons Act) without rancor and conflict’’.
He further said that ‘’ it is apt to reiterate that you have the responsibility as the Board for policy making decision ,while the Council Secretariat’s Administrative and Operational activities are solely the responsibility of the Management, this should be clearly understood to ensure efficiency and effective implementation of the mandate of the VCN’’.
He tasked the board members to be stewards of the trust repose in them and also show responsibility towards the transformation of the Agricultural sector in accordance with the Green Alternative Policy and the Livestock transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.
Nanono stated there is need for collaboration among relevant stakeholders in the Agric Sector and livestock sub- sector towards achieving food sufficiency, job creation and increase internally generated revenue in the country.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Abdulkadir Mua’zu, represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Mrs. Karima Babaginda said that the Council is very crucial in actualizing many of the activities of the veterinary profession especially its regulatory role. According to him, ‘’ this is a great call to national service and all hands must be on deck to contribute your respective quotas to the ministry’s efforts in ensuring both food and nutrition security.
Dr. Mua’zu stated the board comprised of members who have distinguished themselves in various aspects of the veterinary profession drawn from the public, private and the academia.
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Board, the Chairperson, Commissioner of Police, Dr (Mrs.) Aishatu Abubakar Baru, pledged that the Board would work assiduously towards achieving its Mandate
On the other hand, the Minister, Alhaji Sabo Nanono received in audience members of the Pan African Society for Agricultural Engineering and the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (A Division Society of Engineers). He urged the Organisation to key in into the Mechanization policy of the Ministry which he said will revolutionize the agriculture sector and boost the nation’s economy.
The group led by the Chairman, Conference Organizing Committee, Prof. Michael Faborode were in his office to brief the Minister on the planned Conference scheduled for the third quarter of the year with the theme ‘’ Engineering Africa’s Agro- Industrial Transformation for Economic Prosperity and Sustainable Development’’
