Kebbi: ‘Largest’ animal hospital booting

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi

Kebbi State Government has launched a move to unveil the “largest” animal hospital in Nigeria. The move is enabled by the reconstruction of a veterinary hospital in the state abandoned for 13 years.

The hospital covers over 20 hectares of land and is spread across major areas in Birnin Kebbi. Situated along Birnin Kebbi-Kalgo road, it consists of surgical, pharmacy, administration and insinuating units, as well as the store, among others.

Daily Sun gathered that the hospital is premised against the backdrop that the state is among the three states in the region with the highest population of cattle, an opportunity betrayed by successive administrations, which failed to transform this wealth to economic prosperity for the people.

Commissioner for Animal Health, Husbandry and Fishery, Kabir Alaramma, said the hospital, upon completion, would be the largest animal hospital in-country: “The governor has a vision to put the state on the world map as a renowned hub for livestock husbandry. Herders will benefit from the facility and government will generate revenue from the export of dairy products.

“We have 25 grazing reserves in the state. We have 12 livestock routes. We also have 74 LGA grazing reserve routes. We also have 76 livestock markets. Some of them are international markets while others are local.

“So, our mission for this hospital is that it should serve as the reference centre in Nigeria, which will improve the standard of livestock in the country. Our livestock farmers will acquire new and modern systems of rearing livestock, so that they will be able to transform from the old system of livestock farming and management to modern ways. At the end, we could improve on our diary production and beef production in the sector.”

State director, Veterinary Service, Ibrahim Senchi, disclosed that the  hospital would also be a training outfit for students in the area of animal husbandry: “For Brazil to partner with Nigeria, through Kebbi State, it means  that they have recognised the richness of the livestock in Kebbi State.

“They have also recognised our resources and manpower to provide excellent health and wellbeing for our animals. It is well know that, if you want to export your beef to any country, it has to be certified by appropriate agencies, it has to meet international standards.”