The Kogi State House of Assembly has officially confirmed Dr. Olufemi Bolarin as the first-ever Commissioner for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development, following his nomination by Governor Ahmed Ododo.
The confirmation took place on Tuesday after a rigorous screening process, solidifying Bolarin’s leadership in a ministry set to revolutionise livestock management in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo had earlier, on January 10, 2024, approved the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development to boost food security, enhance livestock productivity, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Bolarin, an Associate Professor and seasoned agriculture expert, previously served as the State Project Coordinator of the Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) before his nomination.
Read Also: Gov. Fubara vows to remain level headed @ 50
During his address to lawmakers, Bolarin vowed to drive investment, enhance livestock productivity, and implement global best practices to transform the sector.
“I am committed to building resilience in the livestock industry, boosting food security, and attracting local and foreign investors to Kogi State,” he assured.
The Assembly members hailed Bolarin as a “round peg in a round hole,” praising his expertise and vast experience. Speaker Umar Yusuf urged him to bring his wealth of knowledge into play and meet the expectations of both the governor and the people.
With an illustrious academic background—including degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Ilorin—Bolarin’s impact extends far beyond Nigeria. He has gained international agricultural experience in Australia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya, positioning him to lead groundbreaking reforms in Kogi’s livestock sector.
With Bolarin at the helm, the newly formed ministry is expected to drive economic growth, improve livestock management, and create job opportunities in the agricultural sector. His appointment marks a significant step toward modernizing livestock production and ensuring food security in Kogi and beyond.
