World Veterinary Day: Osun Govt. pledges support for Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association

Segilola Babalola

 Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has pledged  continuous support of his administration to the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association NVMA, Osun State Chapter in order to realize the goal of food self - sufficiency and security in the State.

    

The State helmsman disclosed this at the year 2023 World Veterinary Day, held at the WOCDlF Event Center, Osogbo.

      

The State Governor, who was represented by the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs Adegbemisola Fayoyin, reiterated that the Veterinary Services in Nigeria has come along way in ensuring adequate provision of public health and disease control, considering the fact that 70 percent of human diseases are said to be zoonotic. Mrs Fayoyin hinted further that these diseases can be prevented if the issue of Animal Health Care Services Delivery is taken more seriously.

      

According to her, "going by the theme of this year's program which is "Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in the veterinary profession" it is needful that  members of the profession in various specialisation and careers to come together and galvanize ideas through collaborative efforts in order to proffer meaningful solution to myriad of challenges facing livestock sub sector of the Nation's Economy as well as Public Health.

    

Mrs Fayoyin used the occasion to state some of the State Government's  remarkable contributions to the veterinary sub sector in such areas as;

Free Mass vaccination of livestock and Domestic Animals across the state against Rabies,PPR,CBPP and other animal diseases through the Department of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food security. 

The commencement of payment of half salary arrears owed state workers including veterinary officers.

The State Government also ensured that the ultra modern veterinary clinic established at Awosuuru by Federal Government is opened for public use.

    

Mrs Fayoyin therefore urged the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association to cooperate and collaborate with Mr Governor to achieve his laudable Agriculture Programmes in the State and there by deliver on his campaign promises.

   

 In his welcome address, the  Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association,Osun State Chapter,Dr. Moses Olayemi, appreciated everyone present especially the delegation of Veterinary Council.

 

 Dr Olayemi highlighted further that world veterinary celebration is observed to celebrate the achievements and contributions of veterinary profession worldwide.

     

He also said that it is important to reflect on the challenges facing the veterinary profession today including all the critical crises and issues that must be addressed to promote diversity, equity and inclusiveness in the veterinary profession.

    

In her goodwill message, Director of Veterinary Services in the  Ministry,Dr.Mrs Abosede Olatokun assured members that the association will continue to wax stronger, saying the good news of the Association would continue to spread across board. Dr. Mrs Olatokun appreciated all the members for their co-operation and the spirit of oneness.

   

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion,Dr Alabi Towoju (PAN Chairman, Osun State) stated that the World Veterinary Day is the day set aside to celebrate veterinary profession and to also enlighten members of the public about the importance of veterinary medicine to the communities and world at large.

      

According to Dr. Towoju..... Veterinary Services as a profession is very strategic to the growth of every country considering the provision of animal food for human consumption, stressing that the Veterinary is the key to the prevention of famine , disease and pestilence. 

Dr. Towoju also used the occasion to call on both the Federal Government and the State Government to support the Veterinary Medical Association to realize her dream of banishing hunger, poverty, pestilence and kwashiorkor. A dream to make available to the citizens of this great country,as professionals, high quality animal protein for a healthy populace that can compete with human development indices globally.

   

 In her address, the National President of the  Association, Dr.Mrs Olutoyin Catherine Adetuberu (FCVSN) who was represented by the General Secretary of the Association, Dr. Dotun Fadipe informed members that world veterinary day is a global event, taking place annually every last Saturday of April but this year event scheduled for Friday to enhance large turn out of members. According to him, this year theme is to remind everyone of the importance of creating a profession that is accessible and welcoming to all individuals regardless of their background or circumstances. 

Dr. Fadipe further stressed that as Veterinary Practitioners, there must be recognition and value for diversity of colleagues and clients towards creating an inclusive and equitable profession that fosters mutual respect and understanding. 

He therefore called on members to renew their commitment to promoting diversity, equity and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession.

Dr. Fadipe appreciated the Governor of Osun, for being a friend of the Veterinary Profession. Like Oliver twist, Dr. Fadipe requested for more hands to be recruited in the State Veterinary Services and also suggested that the abattoirs in the State should be centralised.

        

Highlight of the event was the lecture delivered by the guest speaker, Dr.Ekundayo Samuel (DVM, phD).

       

Present at the event were: The Chairman, National Association of Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists, Osun State, Dr. Henry Agboola,  Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Osun State, Dr. Akeem Bello, Dr Ogundele, Dr. Matthias Bisong of Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Femi Olawale, Dr Oladimeji Akinbunmi among others.