***Lauds Blueprint Newspaper For Promoting National Unity, Inclusive Growth & Accountable Governance
By Miriam Humbe
The Federal Government has assured its readiness to revolutionise the livestock sector to boost the nation’s economic growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Segun Imohiosen, the Director, Information & Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF, disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, made the assurance while delivering his remarks at the 2024 Blueprint Impact Series and Awards Ceremony themed: “Exploring the Potentials of Livestock Exports in Nigeria” in Abuja.
The SGF highlighted the significance that President Tinubu attributed to the livestock industry, noting that if its vast potentials were effectively utilised, it could serve as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic development.
He assured of government’s commitment to revolutionise the sector through investment and critical infrastructure development.
Akume said: “This theme resonates with the focus and direction of government in the livestock sector, which holds invaluable potential for boosting our industrial growth, foreign trade and resolution of some of the most avoidable challenges facing our society as a whole.
“The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development underscores the importance the President attaches to unlocking the vast potentials in this sector…
“This government is assured that through ongoing strategic investment, infrastructure development, value chain enhancement, and regional trade facilitation, livestock shall become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation, especially in rural communities.”
He thanked Blueprint Newspaper Limited for raising the bar in promoting national unity, inclusive growth and accountable governance in its reportage, and assured of President Tinubu’s readiness to work with Blueprint Newspaper and other credible media organisations to promote solutions, innovations, and recognise success stories that can inspire progress across all sectors.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha stated that the livestock industry had the potential to significantly boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if effective reforms were implemented to tackle the challenges facing the sector and ensure its products comply with international export standards.
He also sought collaboration with the private sector, researchers, and media to support the maiden Ministry towards the realisation of its statutory mandate.
Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar stated that since the launch of the newspaper in 2011, it has flourished significantly, managing to withstand the pressures of media competition and secure its place as one of the most sought-after newspapers in the country.
He added that due to its innovation, the newspaper that began as a weekend publication has evolved into a daily newspaper, a weekend edition, and also feature Manhaja Blueprint version tailored for Hausa-speaking Nigerians.
