The Chairman of the Bauchi State Chapter of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria, Aminu Mijinyawa, has disclosed that the National Bureau of Statistics has ranked Bauchi State among the top livestock-producing states in Nigeria.
According to him, the ranking shows that nearly 80 per cent of agricultural households in the state are also engaged in animal husbandry.
Speaking with Arewa PUNCH on the sidelines of ASAN’s one-day workshop themed “Livestock Reform and Climate Adaptation: Paving the Way for Resilient Animal Agriculture in Nigeria” held in Bauchi, Mijinyawa said the event comes at a time when the livestock industry is facing multiple challenges, including farmer-herder conflicts, land disputes, drought, feed scarcity, and disease outbreaks.
He called for bold reforms, strategic climate adaptation measures, and increased collaboration among government, private investors, development partners, traditional institutions, and community groups.
Mijinyawa emphasised, “Any effort to improve animal production and foster peaceful coexistence among stakeholders has a direct impact on the livelihoods of our people.”
On his part, the ASAN National President Raymond Isiandinso, who was represented by his Vice President I, Dr. Rose Idi described Bauchi State as a pacesetter in the livestock industry.
He noted that the state’s consistent record of hosting ASAN national conferences and its support for the profession remain unmatched.
Isiandinso praised the contributions of Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro and the establishment of the Dairy Centre of Excellence in Bauchi, saying the centre could set a national direction for the livestock sector, particularly following the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
He stressed, “Bauchi’s comparative advantage in livestock production positions it to lead Nigeria’s transition from subsistence to market-driven animal agriculture.
“The people gathered here today are our arrowheads for achieving this transformation.”
Mijinyawa urged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop.
Also speaking, the North East Zonal Coordinator of ASAN, Professor Muhammad Babawuro, lauded the Bauchi chapter for organising what he described as an unprecedented event in the region.
According to the don, who emphasised the need to bridge the knowledge gap between scientific research on climate change and rural livestock farmers, he stressed that awareness and adaptation strategies are crucial to sustaining productivity.
Prof Babawuro also commended the federal government for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, pointing out that it provides livestock farmers with a direct voice in national agricultural policymaking.
He called for stronger professional unity among animal scientists and urged state chapters to mobilise for ASAN’s upcoming national conference in November.
Arewa PUNCH further reports that the workshop featured technical sessions aimed at equipping participants with practical tools and innovations to improve animal welfare, boost productivity, and strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
