The Federal Government has commissioned the Aviele Model Veterinary Hospital in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of ongoing efforts to modernize veterinary healthcare delivery, strengthen livestock productivity, and enhance food security across Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the facility as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister stated that the state-of-the-art veterinary hospital was constructed through the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) to improve access to quality animal healthcare services while boosting livestock production and economic development.
He explained that the Aviele facility is one of seven Model Veterinary Hospitals already completed in Edo, Adamawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Niger, Ondo and Borno States, while an additional fourteen hospitals are at various stages of completion across participating states under the project.
According to the Minister, the investment aligns with the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which provides the roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector through improved infrastructure, disease surveillance, veterinary services and increased private sector participation.
Maiha noted that , the hospital is equipped with modern veterinary facilities, including surgical theatres, diagnostic laboratories, radiology units, consulting rooms and ambulatory services designed to deliver prompt, efficient and quality animal healthcare, especially in underserved rural communities in Edo State.
He emphasized that , the facility would serve as a centre of excellence for veterinary practice, research, training and disease diagnosis while improving livestock productivity and safeguarding public health through the One Health approach.
The Minister also stressed the importance of continuous training and retraining of veterinary personnel to ensure the effective operation and sustainability of the facility.
He also commended the Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, the State Executive Council, the Edo State House of Assembly and all stakeholders for their commitment to the successful implementation of L-PRES projects in the state.
The Minister urged, veterinary professionals and other users of the facility to ensure proper maintenance of the hospital and strict adherence to professional ethics and global best practices in veterinary service delivery.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a resilient, productive and globally competitive livestock sector capable of creating jobs, improving food security and driving inclusive economic growth.
The commissioning of the Aviele Model Veterinary Hospital he said, marks another significant step in the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development’s efforts to expand access to quality veterinary services and accelerate livestock sector transformation across.
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock Development, Edo State , Engir Professor Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion, in his welcome address, stated that something profound, a journey that will be beneficial, has just begun in Etsako Local government area in Edo State.
He added that, governance is reaching where it ought to be, as a land mark project such as this has just been established that would serve the good people of Edo State.
Stating that, this not just a Veterinary hospital, but one that will transform and attend to animal health issues, equipped with modern Veterinary vehicle to reach health care irrespective of their location.
As the Ministry of Livestock Development is now a focal point in the whole of South-south geopolitical zone.
In his good will message, the National Project Coordinator Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Dr Sanusi Abubakar, said that, the commissioning of this Model Veterinary Hospital in Aviele, Edo State, is a landmark achievement in our collective effort to modernize Nigeria’s livestock sector and strengthen veterinary service delivery across the country.
“Today’s event is far more than the unveiling of a physical structure. It represents a bold investment in animal health, food security, economic growth, and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for their survival and prosperity.”
This facility according to him, stands as a symbol of our shared commitment to building a resilient, productive, and globally competitive livestock industry.
The establishment of this state-of-the-art hospital under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), with the support of the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, reflects the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen disease surveillance, improve livestock productivity, enhance veterinary care, and safeguard public health through a One Health approach.
As a prototype facility being replicated across the country, this hospital will serve as a centre of excellence for veterinary services, training, research, disease diagnosis, and public-private collaboration, he stated.
“It will provide livestock producers with access to quality veterinary care while creating opportunities for veterinary professionals and entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to national development”, he added.
He also commended ,the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the livestock sector.
While also expressing profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, for creating an enabling environment and demonstrating strong support for initiatives that improve the welfare of farmers and livestock value chain actors.
As we commission this facility today, let us renew our collective resolve to strengthen livestock production, improve food security, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth for our nation.
In his remarks, His Excellency Senator Adams Oshiomole , the Senator representing the Etsako Constituency in Edo State, said that the Minister of Livestock Development is the first Minister in the history of Etsako to Commission such a land mark project in the community.
“Through your Ministry, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated , its commitment to sustainable development to Nigerians by establishing a Veterinary care system in the South- south geological zone.
This Commissioning he said, underscores the importance of establishing a veterinary care system that will make Etsako community a hub for animal health care delivery in Edo State.
He therefore called for a peaceful cohesion between the leadership of the various communities in Etsako.
His Excellency the Governor of Edo State, represented by his Deputy, Rtd Honourable Dennis Idahosa, in his remarks, said that the Commissioning of the Ultra modern Veterinary hospital in Etsako shows a strong commitment and collaboration between the Federal and state governments.
He further stated that Mr. President has demonstrated his promises to the people of Edo state by establishing this edifice in the State.
He eulogized the President’s pragmatic leadership and the renewed hope Agenda mantra, as a milestone development in the State, while emphasizing the importance of establishing the hospital in the community.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director Information and public Relations
28/6/26
