The World Bank has approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art Model Veterinary Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, marking a major step forward for animal health care and livestock development in Ekiti State.
The project, approved under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) initiative, is designed to strengthen veterinary services, improve disease surveillance, and enhance overall livestock productivity.
When completed, the facility is expected to serve as a referral centre with advanced diagnostic laboratories, surgical theatres, and a training hub for veterinarians and animal health professionals.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, who announced the approval at a forum in Ado-Ekiti, described the initiative as “a transformative step towards modernising livestock management and further ensuring food safety” in the state.
He stated that the hospital would help curb disease outbreaks, boost farmers’ confidence, and support the state’s rapidly expanding livestock economy.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Ebenezer Babatope, also highlighted the importance of the project, noting that it would significantly improve animal welfare, enhance productivity, and raise the quality of livestock products entering the food chain.
Similarly, the State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, Mr Olayinka Adedipe, said the World Bank’s approval reflects its confidence in the state’s commitment to comprehensive livestock sector reforms.
He added that the centre will support epidemiological studies, vaccination programmes, and extension services for livestock farmers.
In his remarks, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Emmanuel Osayomi, commended the initiative, stressing that it would help eliminate quack practices and strengthen professional standards in veterinary care across the state.
Farmers and stakeholders in the livestock value chain have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the project will address long-standing infrastructural gaps in the veterinary sector and contribute significantly to agricultural progress in the state.
Construction of the Model Veterinary Hospital is expected to begin soon, with the facility projected to become one of Nigeria’s leading veterinary centres upon completion.
The Hope
