The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has announced that it disbursed over N32 million in grants to young veterinary professionals across Nigeria in 2024, aiming to promote self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among emerging veterinarians.
This was revealed by NVMA President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, during the 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration held in Enugu. The event, organized in partnership with the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, highlighted the critical contributions of veterinarians to animal health, public health, and environmental safety.
World Veterinary Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April, with this year’s theme being “Animal Health Takes a Team.”
Represented by the NVMA Assistant Secretary General, Dr. Gloria Daminabo, Arokoyo emphasized the association’s commitment to supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals. “Empowering young veterinarians is essential to securing the future of veterinary medicine in Nigeria,” he stated.
He noted that through collaborations with organizations such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and leading stakeholders in the livestock and pharmaceutical sectors, NVMA had strengthened its advocacy for improved animal health policies. These partnerships have also enhanced access to quality veterinary medicines nationwide.
Arokoyo reiterated that collaboration across disciplines — veterinarians, para-veterinary staff, researchers, policymakers, farmers, and the private sector — is vital for building sustainable animal health systems.
Despite these strides, he acknowledged several challenges facing the profession, including limited employment opportunities in government sectors, rising antimicrobial resistance, the spread of transboundary and re-emerging zoonotic diseases, and poor infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, outlined major reforms within the state’s agricultural and veterinary sectors.
He highlighted the enactment of the Anti-Open Grazing and Ranching Control Act, which has positioned Enugu State as a leader in organized, sustainable livestock farming, effectively ending long-standing farmer-herder conflicts and making the sector more attractive to investors.
Governor Mbah also announced the revitalization of the School of Veterinary and Investigation Centre at Achi in Oji-River Local Government Area and the transformation of the state veterinary clinic into a modern Artificial Insemination and Diagnostic Centre. These initiatives aim to elevate veterinary training and improve livestock reproduction and disease management services in the state.
Delivering a goodwill message, Professor Mathew Adamu, President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, emphasized the Council’s role in maintaining high standards for veterinary education and practice across the country.
As part of the day’s activities, newly trained veterinary para-professionals in Enugu State were officially inducted, and the Enugu State Chapter of the Veterinary Practices Committee was inaugurated.
Addressing the inductees, Professor Adamu advised them to operate within their professional limits and refer complex cases to tertiary veterinary facilities to ensure the highest standard of animal healthcare.
