In a strategic move to tackle youth unemployment and promote agribusiness entrepreneurship, nine veterinary doctors have each received N1 million grants to establish animal health-related enterprises.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) in partnership with Farm Alert, a non-governmental organization, aims to empower young veterinarians to transition into “vetpreneurs” through sustainable, private-sector-driven solutions.
At the grant presentation ceremony held in Abuja, key stakeholders from both public and private veterinary sectors emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in job creation and economic development.
Dr. Moses Arikoyo, President of the NVMA, stated that this was the third round of such grants, designed to equip veterinarians with resources to launch independent businesses. “About 80% of veterinary doctors in Nigeria operate in the private sector,” he said, “and they have significantly contributed to reducing unemployment and poverty.”
Dr. Arikoyo also cited alarming statistics: the animal disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated at $90 billion, while poverty rates stand at 75% in rural areas, 41% in urban areas, and 30.9% nationally. He stressed the role of veterinarians not only in animal health but also in advancing public health and food security.
Dr. Inuwa Musa, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, echoed the need for increased private sector participation, noting that government alone cannot absorb the growing number of graduates. “Our role is to create an enabling environment for private initiatives like this to flourish,” he said.
Professor Usman Junaidu, a member of NVMA’s Board of Trustees, called for similar empowerment programs across other professions, highlighting their potential to ease the employment burden on government.
One of the beneficiaries, Dr. Walihu Olasunkami, expressed gratitude and pledged to use the funds effectively to serve communities through veterinary services.
The event concluded with the official presentation of N1 million cheques to each of the nine recipients, accompanied by goodwill messages from prominent veterinary academics and practitioners, including Prof. Mathew Adamu, Prof. Usman Junaidu, Prof. Fashino, and others.
The program underscores a growing recognition of veterinary entrepreneurship as a vital pathway to economic empowerment, public health improvement, and sustainable development.