By Stephen Adeleye
The Kogi State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, screened and confirmed Dr Olufemi Bolarin as commissioner designate for the Ministry of Livestock Development, as presented to it by Gov. Ahmed Ododo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Ododo had on January 10 approved the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development aimed at enhancing livestock management in the state in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Bolarin, until his nomination by the governor, was the State Project Coordinator of Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES).
The lawmakers, in their various contributions, described the commissioner nominee as a round peg in a round hole and expressed their confidence in his ability to run a viable livestock ministry for the development.
The Speaker, Umar Yusuf, in his remarks, commended members of the house for a job well done and tasked the nominee to live up to the expectations of the governor and the people of the state.
Yusuf, who announced Bolarin’s confirmation after the screening, advised him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the livestock productivity and development of the state.
Addressing the lawmakers, Bolarin promised to enhance livestock productivity, build resilience, and improve food security.
He appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in him and promised to use his new office to attract partners and investors to the livestock subsector.
Bolarin, an associate professor from the prestigious University of Ilorin, holds a Bachelor of Agriculture Degree from the prestigious University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU).
He also holds a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Communication from OAU and a PhD in Agriculture with a specialisation in Animal Production Extension from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
The commissioner designate’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, with international experience in agriculture across countries such as Australia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya.
His exposure to global best practices in livestock management uniquely positioned him to lead transformative initiatives in Kogi State’s livestock sector. NAN
