FAO Empowers Vet Paraprofessionals to Drive Agriculture Growth
THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has celebrated a major milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural sector with the graduation of a new cohort of Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPP) under its project, “Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs”.
The ceremony, held at the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, marked a step forward in strengthening veterinary services and rural livelihoods.
🎊🎓Today at @abuzaria4all‘s College of Agriculture & Animal Science, Kaduna, @FAO marked the graduation of VPPs trained over 6 months in technical, entrepreneurial & gender-responsive skills to STRENGTHEN animal health, boosting productivity and advancing #ZeroHunger.#4Betters pic.twitter.com/5zrw79BP9c
— FAO Nigeria (@FAONigeria) August 28, 2025
In his keynote address, the FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, highlighted the project’s significance in advancing agricultural and rural development across the country.
Dr. Gadain also expressed deep appreciation to key partners, including Murtala Dabo, Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture; Prof. Bashir Babaji, representing the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University; and Prof. Aliyu Wakawa, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, for their collaboration in making the initiative a success.
Highlighting the vital role of livestock in Nigeria’s food security and rural economies, Dr. Gadain noted the persistent challenges faced in accessing quality veterinary services, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
He underscored that the VPP project addresses these critical gaps by equipping veterinary paraprofessionals with the necessary practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to deliver timely, affordable, and high-quality animal health services.
“This graduation marks a significant personal achievement for each of you, but more importantly, it is a strategic investment in ensuring resilience in livestock-based livelihoods throughout Nigeria,” Dr. Gadain stated.
He commended the graduates for their training in disease prevention, herd health management, and sound animal husbandry practices within a sustainable and ethical service delivery framework.
The FAO representative stressed that the link between skills development and entrepreneurship is essential for creating a sustainable impact in the agricultural sector. “By empowering our graduates not only with technical competencies but also with business acumen, we are enabling them to serve their communities effectively while establishing viable businesses,” he stated.
Dr. Gadain further explained that extending animal health services to remote areas would safeguard livestock assets, enhance household incomes, and strengthen food systems against various shocks. He reiterated that the VPP initiative aligns with FAO’s vision of better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and ultimately, a better life for all communities.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration toward building a resilient and robust livestock sector in Nigeria, fortifying rural economies and ensuring food security in the face of ongoing challenges.
