In a momentous achievement for Jigawa State and Nigeria as a whole, Governor Mallam Umar Namadi has officially launched the Mobile Veterinary Clinics programme designed to provide free veterinary services to residents across the state’s 27 local government areas.
This initiative, the first of its kind in Jigawa State and the nation, aligns with the administration’s ambitious 12-point agenda aimed at improving the lives of citizens, particularly those in remote areas.
Speaking at the launch event in Garbau village, Miga local government area, Governor Namadi highlighted the transformative impact the program will have on the state’s agrarian economy, especially for the Fulani communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy livestock.
He outlined the key components of the initiative, including the provision of motocycles, free veterinary services, and a continuous supply of veterinary drugs to improve livestock health across the state.
“Each local government area will receive five fully equipped motorcycles to support mobile veterinary services. A total of 235 motorcycles have been distributed, adding to the existing fleet to make up 535 mobile veterinary clinics across the state.”
“The veterinary staff in each local government will travel to nomadic communities, offering services free of charge. This ensures that Fulani herders can maintain healthy cattle, which is essential to their way of life and to the state’s economy.”
“Local governments have committed to ensuring an ongoing supply of medicines and vaccines, ensuring the long-term success of the programme and enhancing livestock health throughout Jigawa,” the governor said.
Governor Namadi underscored that these efforts reflect his administration’s broader mission of delivering the dividends of democracy to all citizens, no matter where they live.
“This program is about ensuring that every resident of Jigawa State benefits from government initiatives that improve their lives and livelihoods.”
As Jigawa State is a predominantly agricultural region, Governor Namadi reiterated his administration’s focus on promoting policies that will not only increase crop production but also ensure livestock health, explaining that the Mobile Veterinary Clinics are just one part of the state’s comprehensive strategy to enhance food security, boost the rural economy, and improve animal husbandry practices.
“By expanding access to veterinary care, we are not only safeguarding the health of livestock but also improving the productivity of our agricultural sector. Healthy cattle are essential to our state’s economy, and this initiative will help us boost livestock and agricultural production.”
The Governor also announced a range of complementary programs aimed at ensuring that nomadic communities, particularly the Fulani, are not left behind.
“In addition to veterinary services, we are committed to ensuring that nomadic communities are not left behind. We have renovated nomadic schools, provided necessary furniture, and employed 235 nomadic teachers—80% of whom are Fulani. This ensures that Fulani communities are educated by their own people, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the state’s development.”
“For the first time in Jigawa State’s history, we have appointed 10 Fulani advisors to the governor, ensuring their integration into government activities. Also, to ensure that the Fulani are carried along, we are also working on a program to purchase milk from the Fulani at fair prices, providing them with a stable income. This initiative will help improve their standard of living while contributing to the state’s economy.”
Governor Namadi further stressed the importance of maintaining harmony between farmers and herders, especially by safeguarding cattle routes and enhancing grazing reserves, saying that the areas will be equipped with watering points to ensure that herders have access to sufficient water for their cattle, as this will promote peaceful coexistence between communities.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa State
September 26, 2024
