Ogun Govt Flags Off 2026 Mass Livestock Vaccination, Targets 200,000 Animals

Ogun State Government has commenced its 2026 statewide mass vaccination campaign against trans boundary animal diseases, targeting over 200,000 livestock across the state as part of renewed efforts to strengthen food security, safeguard rural livelihoods and protect public health.

 

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, during the Flagging off the campaign at the Secretariat of Obafemi Owode Local Government, says the initiative underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient livestock sector, capable of driving economic growth and reducing poverty.

 Owotomo explained that the exercise would cover vaccination of cattle, sheep and goats against four major trans boundary animal diseases known to threaten livestock productivity and farmers’ incomes, adding that the campaign also included free anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs and other small animals to curb the spread of zoonotic diseases and enhance community safety.

 He expressed optimism that this year’s expanded campaign would achieve even greater impact than year before, citing the availability of adequate vaccine doses, well-trained and motivated veterinary personnel as well as a robust monitoring framework to ensure effectiveness and accountability.

 The commissioner described vaccination as a shared responsibility, calling on livestock farmers, herders, traders as well as other stakeholders to cooperate fully with government veterinary teams to ensure seamless implementation.

"Vaccination is not just government responsibility, it is a shared responsibility. When your animals are vaccinated, you are protecting your investment, your family's livelihood, and the wider agricultural economy’’, Owotomo stressed.

  He explained that Obafemi Owode was strategically selected for the flag-off because of its prominence as a livestock transit hub, making it critical to disease surveillance and control efforts within and beyond the State, emphasising that a healthy livestock population remains central to achieving sustainable food systems, creating employment opportunities and enhancing the socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities.

Earlier, the Director, Veterinary Services Department, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, said the initiative targets highly contagious diseases capable of spreading rapidly across borders , leading to high mortality rates , reduced livestock productivity and significant losses in local and international trade,

He  noted that the campaign covers vaccination of cattle and poultry, alongside a nationwide drive to immunise dogs against rabies, a zoonotic disease transmissible to humans, urging farmers to present their animals for vaccination.

 "These diseases are preventable and with the support of our farmers, we can make a significant impact on the health of our livestock and the well-being of our people," he said.

On his part, the Secretary, Obafemi Owode Local Government, Hon. Kayode Dipeolu, appreciated the Ministry for using the local government for the flag off, assuring them of their unflinching support for the programme.

Reacting, two of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Princess Emmanuel and Mr. Olayode Idowu, expressed their satisfaction with the vaccination, saying that the gesture would safeguard the health of their animals.