The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has concluded a comprehensive inspection of major livestock facilities in Enugu State, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to reviving dormant assets and unlocking new economic opportunities in the sector.
During the tour on Wednesday, the minister visited the Adada Cattle Multiplication Centre, an 847-hectare facility that has remained largely unused.
Assessing the site, including the Adada dam, Mukhtar said the visit provided a clear roadmap for bringing the centre into full operation.
Describing the area as “a paradise yet to be discovered,” the minister highlighted the untapped potential and said the dam would be harnessed to irrigate extensive pasture fields.
He emphasised the importance of practical, field-based engagement, stating, “We must come out to the field, discover the potential, and create the environment for private sector and public-private partnerships to work with us to change the narrative.”
In Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Chairman Chijioke Ezeugwu expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged full support toward revamping the centre, stressing its economic benefits for the community.
The minister also visited Mary Agro Farms in Udi, an initiative of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, and engaged with local livestock stakeholders.
He reiterated the federal government’s determination to fully harness the livestock sector, in line with President Tinubu’s vision for non-oil sectors to contribute significantly to national growth and GDP.
Mukhtar further inspected the Okpuje Pig and Progeny Centre, a 26.2-hectare facility with a 3,000-stock capacity, established 43 years ago but left unused for decades.
He commended the host community for safeguarding the facility and assured that it, along with other abandoned livestock investments in the state, would be revived.
Plans are also underway to establish a modular abattoir to process bacon for domestic and export markets.
Jude Chinedu Asogwa, chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, thanked the Tinubu administration for prioritising the rehabilitation of these investments, noting that the initiative aligns with the state government’s push to grow agriculture as a driver of economic prosperity.
