Livestock farmers across Taraba State are celebrating a significant development with the official commencement of a modern veterinary hospital project in Jalingo, the state capital. The project, a key part of Governor Agbu Kefas's livestock transformation agenda, kicked off with a handover ceremony for the project site on Tuesday, December 31, 2025.
Project Backing and Strategic Importance
The initiative is being driven by the National Coordination Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), in partnership with the World Bank and the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. At the ceremony, the State L-PRES Coordinator, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, highlighted the project's potential to transform animal healthcare in the region.
Albert emphasized that the facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art veterinary medical equipment, directly addressing the long-standing challenge of accessing quality animal health services. He confirmed that arrangements to mobilize the contractor to the site have been finalized and called for the cooperation of local residents to ensure the project's success.
Broad Impact and Nationwide Vision
This project is not an isolated effort. Under the broader L-PRES initiative, similar modern veterinary hospitals are slated for replication in 20 states across Nigeria. The Taraba facility is seen as a critical step in improving productivity and building resilience within the local livestock sector, which is a vital component of the state's economy.
The contractor for the project, who has a proven track record from successfully executing similar projects in neighbouring Adamawa State, assured the government of delivering a standard and high-quality facility. An official from the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security also pledged to closely monitor the construction to ensure timely completion.
Farmers' Hope and Future Prospects
The news has been met with widespread enthusiasm from the farming community. Farmers who spoke about the project expressed deep appreciation to L-PRES, the World Bank, and the state government. They described the upcoming hospital as a major boost that will encourage them to take their livestock businesses more seriously.
Many farmers pointed out that the difficulty in finding reliable veterinary care has been a persistent obstacle to growth. They appealed to the authorities to ensure the project is completed on schedule and pledged their full support for its successful delivery. This development marks a hopeful new chapter for agriculture and economic development in Taraba State.
