News Editor
By Olu Balogun
The Presidency, on Tuesday, said that the present administration remains committed to strengthening the livestock industry and veterinary profession in the country.
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Livestock Development, Hon. Idris Abiola Ajimobi, in his keynote address at the 11th oath-taking and white coat ceremony of the 2023/2024 Set, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, said the government “recognize the indispensable role that veterinary professionals play in safeguarding public health, advancing food security, and ensuring sustainable livestock development.”
“We recognize that without a strong veterinary professionals that will drive our animal agricultural reforms for a thriving agricultural economy will remain incomplete. As a result, we are strategically focused on policy interventions, creating enabling environment for professional and investors to co create a vibrant livestock economy.
“You are part of the journey to the promise land. To the graduating class, this is not just the end of your academic journey—it is the beginning of your contribution to a healthier and more sustainable world. Whether you choose clinical practice, research, policy development, or agribusiness, remember that your work is crucial to the well-being of our society,” he stressed
Ajimobi, who was represented at the event with the theme: “Veterinary Education: Promoting One Health and Sustainable Development Goals”, by a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Prof. Demo Kalla, said the skills and expertise of the graduating class are needed now more than ever, urging them to embrace innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
“As veterinarians, you are the frontline defenders of public health and biosecurity. You are not merely doctors of animals but also key stakeholders in disease prevention, food safety, and ecosystem conservation.
“Your expertise contributes to Sustainable Development Goals SDG1 (No Poverty) SDG2 (Zero Hunger) SDG3—Good Health and Well-being—which extends beyond human healthcare to encompass animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
“The health of our people is directly tied to the health of our livestock, wildlife, and the natural ecosystems we all share,” he added.
Also speaking, the President, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, VCN, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Baju, said being establishment in 1953, the Council is the oldest regulatory body in the country, entrusted with ensuring excellence in the training and practice of veterinary medicine.
Baju, who highlighted the mandate of VCN, explained that the Council “stands as the guardian of the profession, ensuring that all practitioners adhere to these principles”, warning that “those who violate the Code of Ethics will be held accountable.”
She commended the Vice Chancellor and his management team for their unwavering support for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, noting that their commitment has played a pivotal role in shaping the training of this new generation of veterinary professionals.
While pointing out that the new graduates are stepping into the profession at a pivotal time, she said President Tinubu has placed great emphasis on the veterinary profession through the Renewed Hope Agenda on National Livestock Reform, especially with the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Presidential Committee for Renewed Hope Livestock Reforms Implementation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Prof. Simon Enem, told the new veterinarians that “transformation and development are two attributes that will propel you to greatness requires high level of carriage, comportment, decency, decorum and the application of common sense.
“Delve into new areas of life embracing technologies. Be creative and innovative in thinking, utilizing every positive opportunity that may come your way,” he advised them.
The Dean added that “through this oath-taking ceremony, we are not sending you off but sending you forth to go into the
contribute to placing this Faculty amongst the leading Faculties of Veterinary Medicine in the world.”
