The Executive Chairman of Etung Local Government Council, Hon. Henry Njar Anom (KSM), has described the commissioning of the permanent Livestock Quarantine Office at Mfum-Ajassor as a major boost to food security, economic growth and livestock development, expressing confidence that the facility will bring lasting benefits to Etung, Cross River State and the nation at large.
Hon. Anom stated this on Thursday while welcoming the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to Etung during the official commissioning of the Federal Government facility. The event was also attended by the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who represented Governor Bassey Edet Otu, alongside other top government officials and traditional rulers.
The Council Chairman said the people of Etung were delighted that the Federal Government chose the border local government as the host of the strategic facility, noting that its operations would strengthen livestock regulation, enhance food availability and improve national food security.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the Minister of Livestock Development for initiating people-oriented programmes that directly impact the economic wellbeing of Nigerians, describing the project as a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Hon. Anom assured the Federal Government that the people of Etung would take ownership of the project and provide the necessary support to ensure its smooth and successful operation.
He, however, appealed to the Minister to approve the construction of a perimeter fence around the facility to strengthen security and safeguard the investment against encroachment and other threats.
The Chairman also requested that qualified indigenes of Etung be considered for employment at the quarantine office, stressing that engaging members of the host community would promote inclusiveness, create jobs and deepen local participation in the success of the project.
He pledged that the local government administration would work closely with the Etung Traditional Rulers Council and other critical stakeholders to maintain a peaceful environment and ensure the facility operates without hindrance.
The permanent Livestock Quarantine Office was officially commissioned by the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, as part of the Federal Government’s livestock development programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The facility is designed to strengthen animal health surveillance, regulate cross-border livestock movement and facilitate disease-free livestock trade.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, representing Governor Bassey Edet Otu, senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, security agencies, traditional rulers, political office holders and officials of the Etung Local Government Council.
The event concluded with a guided tour of the newly commissioned facility by the Minister, the Governor’s representative, the Executive Chairman of Etung Local Government Council and other dignitaries.
By Kingsley Agim
