By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA — The Nigerian Association of Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists (NAAHHT) has reaffirmed its commitment to applying technological knowledge to enhance food and animal production in the country.

The association also urged its members nationwide to intensify efforts toward increasing food and livestock production to help improve protein intake among Nigerians.

National Financial Secretary of the association, Mrs. Juliet Ngozika Ezeh, stated this in Awka, Anambra State, while swearing in a newly elected six-member executive of the state chapter.

Ezeh, who also served as the national delegate that supervised the election and administered the oath of office, said all stakeholders must work together to ensure adequate food and meat production for the nation’s growing population.

She encouraged Nigerians to embrace farming and livestock production to guarantee sufficient food supply and improve nutrition across the country.

According to her, NAAHHT, under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, collaborates with agencies and professional bodies, including NAFDAC, the Medical and Health Workers Union, and veterinary associations, to ensure that animals are properly inspected before slaughter and certified fit for human consumption.

Describing the election as free, fair and credible, Ezeh charged the newly elected Anambra State executive to work harmoniously to advance the association’s objectives.

She noted that NAAHHT continues to strengthen its role within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture through its contributions to animal health and food safety.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected state chairman, Chief Augustine Chukwuemeka Okigbo, thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work for the progress of the association.

Outgoing state chairman, Comrade Obinna Modestus Akabueze, who was elected as Ex-Officio, recalled that the Anambra chapter successfully hosted a South-East zonal conference of the association during his tenure.

He urged members to remain committed to promoting animal health, stressing that human health is closely linked to the health of animals.

The newly elected executive members are:

Chief Augustine Chukwuemeka Okigbo — Chairman
Mrs. Ogechukwu Nwakonobi — Secretary
Mrs. Blessing Mgbe — Financial Secretary
Mr. Romanus Ozioko — Treasurer
Comrade Chijioke Ogbonna — Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Comrade Obinna Modestus Akabueze — Ex-Officio

The election was held at the Veterinary Hall, Office of the Director of Veterinary Services, Amawbia, near Awka, Anambra State.