The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), in collaboration with Farm Alert Ltd, has empowered young veterinarians with N20 million.
The President of the association, Dr Moses Arokoyo, made this known in Abuja at the disbursement of the grant.
Arokoyo said that the development was through its Vetpreneurship programme, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among veterinarians across the country.
He explained that the initiative was part of NVMA’s broader efforts to combat unemployment within the sector.
Arokoyo said the initiative would create job opportunities for the teeming younger population and stimulate economic growth in the nation.
The president added that the aim of the programme was also to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the veterinary sector that would impact positively on food security and help to empower the younger generation.
“Vetpreneurship programme will help in reducing unemployment rate which stands at 4.2 per cent as of 2023 and poverty rate estimated to have reached 38.9 per cent in 2023, meaning an estimated 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor.
“The financial support provided through this programme is expected to address critical needs in the veterinary sector, including the procurement of essential supplies and infrastructural development.
“This is a commendable step we have taken in the face of the challenging economic landscape,” he said.
Arokoyo lauded Dr Femi Kayode, the Chief Executive Officer of Farm Alert, for the collaboration on the project, and commended the awardees for their dedication, commitment and passion for animal health.
He said that the awardees’ dedication, commitment and passion were expressed through their application pitches.
Arokoyo explained that the selection process was fair, adding that only the most deserving candidates were chosen from a pool of excellent veterinarians.
“We assure you all of comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced veterinary professionals,” he said.
By Felicia Imohimi, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA