By Nicholas Dechi
Dr Andrew Amine, Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Benue Chapter, has urged Nigerians to heed veterinarians’ advice to avoid risking human lives and national safety.
Amine gave the advice during the 2026 World Veterinary Day/Investiture of new officials on Wednesday in Makurdi.
The chairman highlighted the dangers of ignoring the professionals’ critical role in public health.
He explained that during construction activities, whether public or private, the accidental excavation of anthrax-contaminated sites could trigger deadly outbreaks capable of wiping out entire workforces on such a site.
He stressed that veterinarians possess the expertise to detect such risks and provide life-saving guidance.
Amine called on the Benue Government to upgrade the Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control to a full-fledged ministry to enable the state to access greater support from the Federal Government.
He also urged fellow veterinarians to remain diligent and committed to their professional responsibilities.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Celestine Aguoru, described the event as a reminder that safe and healthy food depends largely on the work of veterinarians.
According to him, without their contributions, access to safe animal protein will be severely compromised, while preventable diseases could devastate entire populations.
He appealed to guests to support the association’s efforts to procure a bus to enhance its operations.
In her remarks, the chairlady, Dr Angela Apir, said the event celebrated dedication to safe food, public health, and national development.
She noted that veterinarians had consistently demonstrated commitment to strengthening food security.
Apir commended their tireless service and called on government to invest more in veterinary research for the overall benefit of the society.
Also speaking, the former vice chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Prof. Daniel Uza, revealed that during his tenure, he introduced the “One Health” initiative, which promotes a unified approach to human, animal, and environmental health.
He added that he established the Institute of Food Security at the university, which thrived at the time.
However, he expressed concern over its current state and urged institution’s management to revive it because food security remained a global priority. NAN
