By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

GOMBE — The Gombe State Government has commenced the construction of a multi-million-naira Artificial Insemination (AI) and Breed Multiplication Centre at the Faculty of Agriculture, Gombe State University, Malam Sidi, as part of efforts to modernise livestock production and improve dairy and beef output in the state.

The project, being implemented under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, is expected to enhance livestock genetics through artificial insemination, promote research and innovation, strengthen manpower development and increase the incomes of livestock farmers.

Speaking during the handover of the project site, the State Project Coordinator of Gombe L-PRES, Prof. Usman Bello Abubakar, said the facility would transform livestock breeding by replacing traditional breeding practices with modern technologies designed to improve productivity.

According to him, many livestock farmers still rely on conventional breeding methods that result in poor genetic quality, low milk production and prolonged calving intervals.

He said the adoption of artificial insemination would improve reproductive efficiency and enable farmers to raise higher-quality breeds with greater economic value.

“With improved genetics and proper management, farmers can increase milk production from barely one litre daily to between 20 and 40 litres, depending on the breed and feeding regime,” he said.

Abubakar explained that Gombe State University was selected to host the centre because of its research capacity and academic expertise, noting that the institution would help ensure the project’s sustainability beyond the lifespan of the World Bank-supported L-PRES programme.

He said the facility would serve as a centre for livestock research, innovation, practical training and extension services, while attracting partnerships from within and outside Nigeria.

The project coordinator disclosed that the centre would be equipped with modern facilities for artificial insemination, embryo transfer and breed improvement comparable to those used in leading livestock-producing countries.

He added that the initiative aligns with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s vision of transforming the livestock sector into a major driver of economic growth and food security.

Abubakar revealed that the state had already inseminated more than 1,000 cows under the first phase of its artificial insemination programme and would soon commence a second phase targeting an additional 2,500 cows across the state.

He further disclosed that the World Bank had identified Gombe’s Artificial Insemination Programme as a model for adoption by other participating states because of its impact on livestock productivity and genetic improvement.

Responding, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Gombe State University, Prof. Rasheed Abdulghaniyyu, described the project as a major boost to agricultural education, research and innovation.

He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the World Bank and the Gombe L-PRES Project for the initiative and assured that the university would provide the institutional support required to ensure the sustainability of the facility.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary and Overseer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Builder Ahmad Sa’id Guli, represented by the Director of Agricultural Services, Ibrahim Sajo, described the project as a strategic investment that would accelerate agricultural transformation and livestock development in the state.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Abdullahi B. Alhassan, said the centre would strengthen teaching, research and community service, while the contractor, Horizon Interlinks Nigeria Limited, pledged to deliver the project according to specifications within the six-month completion period.

On completion, the facility will comprise a modern main complex, perimeter fencing and other supporting infrastructure, as well as state-of-the-art equipment for artificial insemination, embryo transfer and advanced livestock breeding technologies.

The centre is expected to position Gombe State as a leading hub for livestock genetics, dairy development and animal breeding research in Nigeria.