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Federal Ministry Begins Tsetse Fly Monitoring and Pest Control Drive in Abia, South-East, South-South
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has commenced a fresh round of tsetse fly surveillance and pest control operations in Abia State as part of efforts to curb trans-boundary pests and improve livestock production across the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones.
The exercise, which began on June 29, is part of the ministry’s nationwide surveillance and control programme covering the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the FMLD team to the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbeze, said the state government was collaborating with the Federal Ministry to combat tsetse flies and other pests affecting livestock production.
Agbeze, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Adamma Aguwa, said the partnership underscored the commitment of both the federal and state governments to reducing the impact of pests on livestock and agricultural productivity.
He said the initiative would help improve crop and livestock yields while strengthening food security in the state and across the country.
The commissioner assured the team of the ministry’s support, adding that officials had been assigned to guide them to locations where the surveillance and pest control activities would be carried out.
Earlier, the Team Lead of the FMLD Tsetse Fly Surveillance and Control Project, Mr Gilbert Okoro, said the team was in Abia to conduct surveillance and control operations aimed at curbing the spread of trans-boundary pests, particularly the tsetse fly.
Okoro explained that the insect transmits trypanosomiasis, a disease that affects cattle and can also cause sleeping sickness in humans.
According to him, the disease reduces milk and meat production, weakens livestock and poses significant public health and economic challenges.
He said the project aligns with the World Health Organisation’s One Health Initiative, which promotes integrated approaches to improving human, animal and environmental health.
Okoro said the nationwide project had already been implemented in the North-East geopolitical zone, adding that Abia was selected to represent the South-East, while Akwa Ibom would serve as the project location for the South-South zone.
He added that the surveillance exercise in Abia would cover the state’s three senatorial districts, including Aba in Abia South, Umuahia in Abia Central and Lokpanta in Abia North.
Following the meeting, the FMLD team visited the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Umudike, to finalise arrangements for the commencement of surveillance and pest control activities in Umudike and other parts of the state.
Officials present during the visit included the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Vitus Nwokoh; the Director of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Victor Obasi; the Director of Epidemiology, Dr Onu Nwokedi; and the Head of Media and Information, Mrs Oluchi Franklin.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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