News in brief:
– Farm Alert in partnership with Nigeria’s veterinary association disbursed ₦20 million to support young veterinary entrepreneurs.
– The ‘Vetpreneurship Program’ aims to combat unemployment, enhance food security, and promote veterinary innovation.
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) in partnership with Farm Alert Limited has created an initiative to empower young veterinarians. This collaboration has led to the disbursement of ₦20 million in cash and products under the Vetpreneurship Program, aiming to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the veterinary sector.
The program, launched by the NVMA, is designed to support young veterinarians in Nigeria by providing them with the necessary resources to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey. This initiative is particularly relevant to farmers and veterinarians as it addresses a critical need for innovation in animal health, which directly impacts food security and overall agricultural productivity.
One of the core objectives of this program is to combat unemployment and poverty, challenges that are prevalent in the country. While unemployment rate in Nigeria stood at 5.0% in 2023, the poverty rate was estimated at 38.9%, with approximately 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty. By empowering young veterinarians, the association is contributing to job creation and economic growth, which can serve as a model for other countries facing similar issues.
The role of collaboration in providing support and training
During the grant ceremony in Abuja, NVMA President Dr. Moses Arokoyo emphasised the importance of fostering innovation within the veterinary sector. The selected veterinarians will receive comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced professionals, ensuring that they are well-equipped to address critical needs in the field, such as the procurement of essential supplies and infrastructural development.
The success of the Vetpreneurship Program highlights the importance of collaboration between organisations like the NVMA and private entities such as Farm Alert. This partnership serves as a blueprint for similar initiatives worldwide, showing how joint efforts can lead to significant advancements in the agricultural and veterinary sectors.
