By Cynthia Alo

The Federal Government has trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Oyo State as part of measures to improve local milk production and strengthen the livestock value chain.

In a statement made available to the media by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry ,Henrietta Okokon said the three-day training programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Ibadan focused on modern dairy farming practices, improved animal husbandry, milk production, collection and processing techniques.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, said the initiative underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production through grassroots empowerment.

According to him, sustainable growth in the dairy sector can only be achieved by equipping farmers with the right knowledge and practical skills.

He said: “As we continue to push for self-sufficiency in livestock production, initiatives like this remind us that real transformation begins with empowering farmers at the grassroots.

“This training is essential to improving productivity, ensuring quality, and building a sustainable dairy value chain that benefits rural communities and the nation at large.”

Ajimobi added that the Federal Government remained committed to unlocking the economic potential of the livestock sector through targeted policies, strategic partnerships and impactful programmes.

He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training and also transfer such knowledge to other farmers within their communities.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Florence Kalulu, described smallholder dairy farmers as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s food system and rural economy.

“Smallholder dairy farmers are the backbone of local milk production. Their resilience and dedication continue to sustain communities across this state and beyond,” she said.

Kalulu identified some of the challenges confronting the sector to include low productivity, poor animal health management, inadequate hygiene practices and limited access to modern dairy techniques.

She stressed that addressing the challenges would improve the quality, safety and profitability of milk production across the country.

According to her, the training aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, NL-GAS, aimed at boosting productivity, improving farmers’ livelihoods, reducing dependence on dairy imports and enhancing food and nutrition security.

“This training is not just about learning, but about transformation. We expect participants to become ambassadors of good practices, sharing knowledge and inspiring others within their communities,” she added.

The programme featured practical sessions on pasture development, feed conservation, breed improvement, feeding practices for milking cows, herd health management, milk handling and dairy business opportunities.

President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, WIDPA, Mrs. Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, commended the Federal Government for increasing attention on the dairy sector, while calling for greater inclusion of women in dairy production activities.

She said supporting small-scale dairy farmers would significantly increase milk output and stimulate economic growth, particularly in agrarian states such as Oyo.
The training also featured interactive discussions, pictorial demonstrations and hands-on practical sessions, while participants received support materials including heifers, feed and salt licks to enhance productivity.

The Ministry said it would continue to scale up similar interventions nationwide as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector and drive sustainable dairy production.