Avian flu: 85 farmers get N16m
? Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007
About N1, 419,190 have been paid to poultry farmers in Lagos state by the Federal Government in the current batch of payments to farmers whose birds were affected by the Avian Flu epidemic. Some Lagos farmers were paid under the first batch.
At the end of exercise, a total of N16,055,690 would have been paid to 85 poultry farmers in the state, through the World Bank-assisted Avian Influenza Control Project.
Speaking recently at the presentation of cheques to the farmers, the Lagos State Commissioner for Aquiculture and Co-operatives, Chief Enoch Ajiboso said that the old rate of N250 per bird was inadequate.
He however urged the farmers not to be discouraged while advising them to keep to the advice of the ministry?s extension officers on issues like feet dip by all visitors to the farms, observance of personal hygiene and bio-security measures in order to farstall epidemic.
He told the farmers to keep farm records in order not to be short-changed during compensation by the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, Ajiboso has commended the Veterinary Council of Nigeria for its education seminar held recently in Lagos.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner said Lagos State has the highest number of veterinary surgeons in the country, adding that the event showed the commitment of the council to improving the performance of its members.
Ajiboso said that the ministry places high premium on food security and that Lagos has the highest concentration of pigs and a great number of poultry farms, apart from being the major market for all livestock and livestock products from other states. In her speech, Dr. (Mrs) Omolara Olawale, Director, Veterinary Services in the Agriculture Ministry, said livestock remained one of the largest contributors to the livelihood of the populace.
According to her, they are at high risk of exposure to various diseases; the reason why services should be strengthened to mitigate the economic and public health risks.
? Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007
About N1, 419,190 have been paid to poultry farmers in Lagos state by the Federal Government in the current batch of payments to farmers whose birds were affected by the Avian Flu epidemic. Some Lagos farmers were paid under the first batch.
At the end of exercise, a total of N16,055,690 would have been paid to 85 poultry farmers in the state, through the World Bank-assisted Avian Influenza Control Project.
Speaking recently at the presentation of cheques to the farmers, the Lagos State Commissioner for Aquiculture and Co-operatives, Chief Enoch Ajiboso said that the old rate of N250 per bird was inadequate.
He however urged the farmers not to be discouraged while advising them to keep to the advice of the ministry?s extension officers on issues like feet dip by all visitors to the farms, observance of personal hygiene and bio-security measures in order to farstall epidemic.
He told the farmers to keep farm records in order not to be short-changed during compensation by the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, Ajiboso has commended the Veterinary Council of Nigeria for its education seminar held recently in Lagos.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner said Lagos State has the highest number of veterinary surgeons in the country, adding that the event showed the commitment of the council to improving the performance of its members.
Ajiboso said that the ministry places high premium on food security and that Lagos has the highest concentration of pigs and a great number of poultry farms, apart from being the major market for all livestock and livestock products from other states. In her speech, Dr. (Mrs) Omolara Olawale, Director, Veterinary Services in the Agriculture Ministry, said livestock remained one of the largest contributors to the livelihood of the populace.
According to her, they are at high risk of exposure to various diseases; the reason why services should be strengthened to mitigate the economic and public health risks.