Dare Babalola
The Ogun State Government has initiated its 2026 statewide mass livestock vaccination programme, targeting in excess of 200,000 animals, in a bid to enhance food security, protect the livelihoods of rural communities, and ensure public health safety.
Speaking on Wednesday at the flag-off ceremony held at the Obafemi Owode Local Government Secretariat, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, highlighted the initiative.
He stated that it underscores the government’s commitment to building a resilient livestock sector capable of driving economic growth and reducing poverty.
Owotomo explained that the exercise will involve vaccinating cattle, sheep, and goats against four major transboundary animal diseases.
The campaign will also offer free anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs and other small animals, aiming to reduce zoonotic infection risks and boost community safety.
He expressed confidence in the programme’s success, noting that adequate vaccines, trained veterinary personnel, and a robust monitoring framework were in place to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
“Vaccination is a shared responsibility. When you vaccinate your animals, you protect your investment, your livelihood and the wider agricultural economy,” the commissioner said, while urging farmers, herders and livestock traders to cooperate with veterinary teams.
Owotomo added that Obafemi Owode Local Government was chosen for the launch due to its strategic importance as a key livestock transit hub, making it crucial for disease surveillance and control.
Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary Services in the state, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso, said the campaign targets highly contagious diseases that often result in high mortality rates, reduced productivity and significant trade losses.
He urged livestock owners to take advantage of the exercise by having their animals vaccinated, noting that the targeted diseases are preventable.
The Secretary to the Obafemi Owode Local Government, Kayode Dipeolu, pledged the council’s support for the programme, while some beneficiaries commended the state government for the initiative aimed at protecting their livestock.
Jolaoso had earlier announced in December 2024 that the state planned to vaccinate about 420,000 cattle against anthrax within three months as part of proactive measures to safeguard animal health and prevent possible outbreaks.
He had explained that the exercise was purely preventive.
“It is not as if there is an outbreak of the disease in the state; rather, the vaccination exercise is to prevent such an outbreak.
“It is all about safeguarding the health of the animals and the general well-being of residents of the state,” he said.
