Governor Mbah,
A total of 96 para-veterinary graduates from the Enugu State Veterinary School and Investigation Centre, Achi, have been officially inducted and presented with certificates of operation.
The induction was part of activities marking the Enugu State 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration, held under the theme: “Animal Health Takes A Team.”
Declaring the event open in Enugu on Monday, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, commended the dedication and professionalism of veterinary workers globally.
He noted that the theme, “Animal Health Takes a Team,” accurately captures the spirit of collaboration needed to safeguard the health of animals, humans, and the environment.
“According to him, in Enugu State, we firmly believe that building robust animal health systems is a team effort; a synergy among veterinarians, para-veterinarians, policymakers, farmers, academics, and community stakeholders.”
“In Enugu State; together, we are driving a transformative agenda that bolsters not only animal health but also our nation’s agriculture and food security,” he said.
Governor Mbah expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), its President, and Council for choosing Enugu to host this year’s national celebration.
He also congratulated the newly inducted para-veterinary professionals.
The governor lauded the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) for setting up the Veterinary Practice and Premises Regulations Committee, stating that it would ensure veterinary facilities in the state uphold the highest standards of quality and accountability.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Mbah said “the Enugu State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranching Control Acts which have been signed into law; thus, positioning the state at the forefront of organised and sustainable livestock farming so as to put a permanent end to the issues of farmers-herders crisis.”
“Thus, de-risking the entire livestock value chain in the state for potential investors.”
He further mentioned the “Revamping of the School of Veterinary and Investigation Centre, Achi in Oji River LGA through which the state have elevated veterinary education and training to international standards.”
“I am happy that today the Veterinary Council of Nigeria has recognised the State Government’s efforts in this direction by certifying our para-veterinary graduates,” he said.
Additionally, Mbah revealed that “Upgrading and transforming of the State Veterinary Clinic facility into a state-of-the-art Artificial Insemination Centre and Diagnostic Centre, thereby enhancing our capabilities in livestock reproduction and disease management.”
He also announced the ongoing “construction of the South-East Regional Veterinary Reference Hospital which is a World Bank-assisted initiative in partnership with the state government coordinated by the L-Press Team.”
“This pioneering project is set to become a regional benchmark for excellence in veterinary care,” he added.
Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalising the entire agricultural value chain:
“These initiatives are not only modernising our systems but have also paved the way for sustainable development and improved livelihoods for our people,” he stated.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Moses Arokoyo, appreciated the Enugu State Government for hosting the event.
Arokoyo, represented by Dr. Godwin Abonyi, who also chaired the event, said the celebration is organised annually to raise public awareness about the critical role of veterinary medicine in national development.
He highlighted the association’s achievements, stating “we have strengthened our advocacy for better health policies, improved access to veterinary drugs and empowering the next generation of Veterinarians.”
However, he also expressed concerns about unemployment among young veterinary graduates, saying “however, the association decries a situation of poor unemployment opportunities for young veterinarians and appeal to both the Federal and State Governments to address this issue of unemployment.”
Arokoyo further urged continued investment in the veterinary sector, emphasizing “I will appeal to both our partners, government and stakeholders to continue investing in the veterinary sector as a healthy animal population means a healthy human population.”
“We should break the isolation silos, share knowledge and build systems that reflect the reality that animal health is human health,” he said.
The President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Prof. Matthew Adamu, alongside the acting Registrar, Dr. Fadipe Oladotun, formally inducted and certified the 96 para-veterinary graduates.
They encouraged the new inductees to uphold the oath they had taken and to serve as good ambassadors of the veterinary profession.
The event was organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation in collaboration with the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association.
