Ogheneruona Tejiri, Effurun
Poultry Value Chain is a significant contributor to the Nigerian economy just as it drives the nation’s agricultural commercialization sub sector of the economy.
This was disclosed by Mr. Ichie Ezeobiora, National President, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) at the inaugural Delta State Poultry Summit convened by the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Delta State Chapter in Effurun, Delta State, he said that poultry contributes over 25 percent of the Livestock Agricultural Gross Domestic Product, making it a rare success story.
The summit was supported by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) with a theme, “The Role of Government, NGOs, Private Sectors and Research Institutions for the Sustainability of Small and Medium-Scale Poultry Industry, Food Security, Employment, and Self-Reliance in Delta State”.
Speaking at the Summit, Mr. Tunji Idowu, Executive Director, Foundation for Partnership Initiative In the Niger Delta( PIND), represented by Mr. Blessing Tuoyo, Marketing Systems Development (MSD)Advisor, PIND said that it is imperative to strengthen the support systems for poultry farmers with a view to enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable farming methods within the sub-sector.
Accordng to him, “over the past five years, PIND, in collaboration with its partners has built the capacity of 41 Poultry Service Providers and reach out to almost 29,000 Poultry farmers in the region.
“PIND has also influenced the creation of over 7,500 job opportunities with farmers across the region experiencing a change in income of about N8.5 billion.”
Addressing the participants, Chief Eric Tomfawei, Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria(PAN), Delta State Chapter said the summit was a platform to galvanize support for small and medium-scale poultry and inputs entrepreneurs.
Chief Tomfawei said that it was necessary to salvage the poultry industry from imminent collapse as this directly impacted the economy, employment, health and most importantly, food security, which undoubtedly were the key priorities of every good government.
Chief Tomfawei added, ” in June 2021 and August 2022, Delta state poultry farmers suffered significant financial losses from the deadly avian influenza virus.
“Additionally, a flood during the same period in 2022 displaced numerous poultry farmers in parts of the state, leading to a considerable decline in Delta State’s active poultry sector.
“This adversely affected the state’s economy and re-entered many youths and women into the labour market.”
Chief Tomfawei expressed gratitude to PIND for the support given to the poultry industry over the years.
He also commended the Foundation and other similar organizations for their commitment to promoting sustainable development and improving farmers’ livelihoods in the Niger Delta region.
In his comments, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State represented by Mr. Samuel Oligida, Delta State Commissioner for Trade and Investment reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting micro, small and medium-scale farmers under the administration’s M-O-R-E Agenda.
He said that the State Government was committed to providing the necessary support in ensuring the success of their businesses and the sustainability of the poultry industry in the state.
In attendance were: the past and present executives of the PAN, Delta State Chapter, policymakers, practitioners and other critical stakeholders in the poultry industry.
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