Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has urged veterinary doctors in Nigeria to join the ongoing global efforts to find vaccines and cure for the COVID-19.
Mr Bagudu made the call when he received members of the State Chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA, led by its Chairman, Dr Nuhu Hussaini-Shehu, on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.
“You are eminently qualified to help and participate in the global race for the search of vaccines and cure for the COVID-19 disease.
“You have the basics to do so and you really understand the mechanics to contribute to the global race to find solution to the virus.
“By your training and disposition, you have the vintage advantage to help in calming the palpable fear and tension orchestrated by the pandemic,” the governor said.
He also disclosed that the state government had secured a N1.5 billion loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria to boost the livestock sector.
“Kebbi has tremendous animal husbandry potential and vet medicine is key to bolstering the growth of the sector.
“We will partner with the association to get more of our youths to be interested in the study of vet medicine.
“This is in the bid to get more resources to support the veterinary sector and the attendant dividends.
“Our state can favourably compete with any part of the world in terms of the abundant livestock potentials and endowments like cows, sheep, goats and even poultry,” Mr Bagudu said.
He thanked the association for demonstrating that anyone could render help in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier, Husseini-Shehu had informed the governor that the visit was aimed at appreciating his sustained support to the association and the livestock sub- sector generally.
He noted that the governor was the second in the country to ensure that members of the association could attain the peak of their career by reaching up to Grade Level 17 like other professionals, including medical doctors.
Mr Husseini-Shehu also lauded the governor for adequately funding the annual statewide mass vaccination of livestock.
“We thank the governor for recognising the services of veterinary doctors in the state and according them priority,” he said.
The chairman promised that the association would fully participate in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the contribution would be by complementing government’s efforts in sensitising herdsmen on preventive measures against the virus.
NAN
