Abia State Government and Federal Ministry Join Forces Against Tsetse Fly
The Abia State Government has announced a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) to combat tsetse fly and other pests that threaten livestock and crop production. The collaboration was revealed on Monday when an FMLD team, led by Gilbert Okoro, head of the Tsetse Fly Surveillance and Control Project, visited the office of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbeze, in Umuahia.
Official Representation and Key Statements
Commissioner Agbeze, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Abia Ministry of Agriculture, Adamma Aguwa, emphasized that the visit solidifies the federal and state governments' efforts to reduce pests that destroy livestock and crop yields. He stated that the initiative demonstrates a clear plan to boost agricultural output in the state and the nation at large. The commissioner added that ministry staff are on hand to accompany the team to sites where the tsetse fly surveillance and control projects will be executed.
Project Objectives and Impact on Livestock
Earlier, Mr. Okoro explained that the team is in the state to conduct a tsetse fly surveillance and control operation. The project is designed to curb trans-boundary pests, particularly the tsetse fly, which threatens livestock production through the transmission of the disease trypanosomiasis. "The tsetse fly, an animal pest of cattle, transmits trypanosomiasis, which causes sleeping sickness in humans and cattle," Mr. Okoro said. He noted that it also reduces the quality of milk and meat in cows and causes other health problems in humans.
Alignment with Global Health Initiatives
Mr. Okoro highlighted that the project aligns with the World Health Organisation’s "One Health Initiative," which seeks to improve the health of farmers, boost crop or livestock yields, and protect the environment. The project covers Nigeria's six geopolitical zones and targets Abia’s three senatorial districts. "Based on this, the team will be visiting Aba for Abia South, Umuahia for Abia Central, and Lokpanta for Abia North," he said. "The project has already been carried out in the North-east zone. Abia is representing the South-east zone. The team will be moving from Abia to Akwa Ibom, which was chosen for the South-south zone."
Next Steps and Stakeholder Involvement
The group later visited the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Umudike, Umuahia, to finalise plans for the commencement of their work in Umudike and other parts of the state. Abia Ministry of Agriculture staff present at the event included the Director of Veterinary Services, Vitus Nwokoh; the Director of Livestock and Fisheries, Victor Obasi; the Director of Epidemiology, Onu Nwokedi; and the Head of Media and Information, Oluchi Franklin. This partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing agricultural productivity and public health in Abia State.
