Ebonyi L-PRES facility targets 2,000 jobs, livestock sector expansion
By Amarachi Ehia, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has projected the creation of about 2,000 jobs from the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) facility at Izhiangbo, as it moves to expand investment and productivity in the state’s livestock sector.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru disclosed this on Monday after inspecting the 295-hectare facility, saying the project was designed to create employment while strengthening livestock production and related economic activities.
The facility, which was formerly an abandoned 60-year-old veterinary establishment, is being reconstructed to provide modern infrastructure for veterinary education, animal health and agricultural production.
Nwifuru said the project would include a veterinary college, modern abattoirs, a hospital, grazing reserves with a capacity for about 2,000 herders and farming enclaves for piggery, grasscutter production and other ruminants.
The governor said contracts had been awarded for 27 buildings out of the proposed 86 structures planned for the facility, including administrative blocks, students’ hostels, staff quarters and lecture theatres.
“We are looking at an employment level of about 2,000 workforce here,” Nwifuru said, stressing that the project would contribute to economic growth and provide opportunities for residents.
He said construction of some components, particularly access roads, had been affected by the rainy season, but disclosed that full construction activities were expected to resume in November, with several buildings expected to be completed by December.
Nwifuru also appealed to residents of the host community to protect the investment and maintain a peaceful environment for contractors and workers.
According to the Ebonyi L-PRES consultant, Dr Usman Ali Lawan, the facility is designed to raise livestock production to global standards while creating jobs and supporting the livelihoods of people involved in the sector.
He commended the governor for supporting the project, describing it as an investment capable of contributing to livestock productivity and economic opportunities in the state.
