The Nigerian Association of Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists (NAAHHT) Oyo State Chapter hosted its fifth annual retreat at the serene Botanical Garden of the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
The event commenced at 10:00am and was themed "Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists in a Changing World of Practice." The retreat addressed pressing challenges in the animal health industry and explored innovative solutions to enhance practices.
The gathering featured distinguished guests, including Dr. Debo Akande, the Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), represented by Alh. Kola Kazeem. The keynote speaker, Prince Oyedele O. Oyewumi, CEO of Prinzvet and Chairman of NAAHHT in Ogun State, delivered insights on the evolving landscape of animal health. Dr. Olufemi Akinwale, Managing Director of FDH Agrovet Ltd, served as the Chairman of the day, represented by Mrs. Tolu Agbebi. Other notable attendees included Mr. Oluwadare Paul from the National Secretariat of NAAHHT, esteemed academics like Prof. O.T. Jeremiah, the Director of Vetenary Teaching Hospital, Dr. (Mrs) L.S. Azeez from the University of Ibadan and Oyo State Veterinary Services, represented by her Deputy, Dr. Olaoye. The gathering also included retired technologists, professionals committed to the animal health sector and students from the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.
Prince Oyedele O. Oyewumi, the speaker of the retreat and Chairman of NAAHHT in Ogun State, presented an insightful paper on the theme "Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists in a Changing World of Practice." He emphasized the necessity for professionals in the field to continually upgrade their knowledge and adapt to the evolving practices within the industry. "The world is changing, and we need to upgrade our knowledge with the trending developments in our profession," he stated.
Oyewumi highlighted the critical role that animal health and husbandry technologists play in ensuring the well-being and productivity of livestock. He articulated how, "When animals are sick, farmers incur direct losses from death and indirect losses from the costs of medications." He also discussed the broader implications of animal health on public safety, noting that animal diseases can be transmitted to humans, making the work of animal technologists vital in safeguarding both livestock and human health.
He remarked on the increasing demand for food production due to Nigeria's growing population, asserting that the importance of animal technologists is more pronounced than ever. "To secure access to meat and other animal products, the function of animal technologists becomes critical," he stressed.
Oyewumi referenced significant advancements in veterinary medicine that have transformed treatment protocols. Traditionally reliant on herbs, contemporary practices now enable precise dosage calculations to prevent overdosing and incorporate technological innovations like laser surgery, which minimizes pain, swelling, and recovery time for animals. He noted, "We use innovo-tech to immunize animals against diseases before they hatch, applying it to cattle and sheep. This proactive approach extends beyond just animal welfare; it also helps manage diseases that may affect human consumption."
The speaker also touched on disease diagnosis, noting advancements in technology such as the PCR method, which allows for rapid and accurate detection of diseases in livestock. "The era of indiscriminately administering treatments is over," he stated, urging a more cautious and informed approach to livestock farming. Oyewumi spoke about the benefits of data analysis and sensor technology, which have optimized various aspects of animal husbandry, including feeding, breeding, and health monitoring. He showcased how farmers can now track animal health metrics, such as body temperature, and utilize automatic feeding systems.
He reiterated the importance of modern monitoring tools, such as video calls and drones, that enable health supervision from remote locations, thus advocating for a departure from outdated practices. "Neglecting proper disposal of deceased animals can lead to infections spreading among the healthy ones," he cautioned. He also called for a responsible approach to antimicrobial use, emphasizing the ongoing trend of minimizing antibiotic usage in livestock feeds.
In a call to action, Oyewumi encouraged animal technologists to maintain a close relationship with laboratories and to routinely take samples for confirmatory diagnoses. "To advance in this field, we must embrace collaboration and innovation, leaving behind the antiquated ways of animal husbandry," he concluded.
Oyewumi's presentation provoked thought among participants, as they recognized the necessity of ongoing education, technological integration, and adherence to best practices to meet the challenges facing the animal health sector.
In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA, Prince Oyedele O. Oyewumi emphasized the significance of the retreat's theme, stating, "If we keep on doing the same thing, we can't expect to get better results. That's why we decided to have a retreat with our members to upgrade them on the latest happenings in the industry. When it comes to animal protein supply, animal health technologists are fully prepared to make the protein available." He also urged governments at all levels to collaborate on areas of shared advantage, suggesting that if local governments could adopt specific crops, it would encourage youth engagement in farming. "They should empower people in agriculture and provide tractors for them instead of motorcycles for empowerment," he recommended.
Alh. Kola Kazeem, representing Dr. Debo Akande from OYSADA, in his speech, he commended NAAHHT for its dedication to enhancing animal health in Nigeria, particularly in Oyo State. He remarked, "I commend the association for their hard work and dedication to improving animal health in the country, especially in Oyo State. Livestock products are an essential part of our diet. The Oyo State government, under Gov. Seyi Makinde, is aware of the infrastructural deficits, particularly in the agricultural and livestock sectors, and recognizes their significant contributions to the state's economic growth."
Kareem elaborated on the initiatives spearheaded by the state government, noting that Oyo State has developed its first agribusiness strategy document through an agricultural transformational agenda, leading to the establishment of OYSADA. He highlighted the agency's efforts in 2023, where 4,200 point-of-lay chickens were distributed to 210 farmers, accompanied by 400 bags of poultry feed and 30 poultry cages. Additionally, he mentioned that 290 farmers across 25 LGAs received 170 boxes, 340 doses of vaccines, 180 rams, and 180 sheep, along with 110 bags of goat feed. He also noted the provision of fertilizers and mechanical weeders, exemplifying the government's commitment to empowering smallholder farmers to engage in agribusiness for livestock development.
To further engage the youth in agriculture, OYSADA has instituted programs like the "Start Them Early" initiative in 15 secondary schools statewide. Moreover, the agency has collaborated with the Oyo State International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to establish a youth agribusiness incubation center, where over 100 youths have received training in animal production and management.
Kareem also discussed the Oyo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) project, which aims to improve productivity and competitiveness within the livestock sector, enhance access to animal health services, and boost overall productivity for livestock farmers. He underscored the vital role that NAAHHT plays in the success of this project, outlining key areas of contribution: 1) Capacity Building, 2) Technical Support, and 3) Stakeholder Engagement.
"I urge the association to continue your good work, strive for excellence, embrace innovation, and collaborate with other professionals to achieve common goals within our livestock communities," Kareem stated. He suggested that NAAHHT develop a strategic plan to guide its involvement in the LPRES project, outlining the association's roles, responsibilities, and the resources needed for project activities.
Kareem concluded by emphasizing that the association's participation as service providers is invaluable for the project's success in Oyo State, reinforcing a collaborative spirit among stakeholders to elevate the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
Mr. Olayinka G. Oluwatoyin, the Chairman of NAAHHT, served as the chief host for the event. In his welcome address, he emphasized the importance of the retreat for professional development within the association. He stated, "As a professional body, we gather across the state to reflect on our responsibilities and the standards expected of us. Our objective is not just to meet these expectations but to strive for excellence in our practice. The reputation of our association is impacted by the performance of each member, making it imperative that we continually assess our delivery."
Oluwatoyin also highlighted the necessity of adapting to changing methodologies and technologies in the industry. "The world is advancing rapidly, and we must embrace new technologies and practices to remain relevant," he said. He encouraged networking among participants, noting that the retreat serves as an opportunity for members to connect and create business partnerships. "The young will learn from the experienced, and together we can create a brighter future for the next generation," he added.
In addition to fostering professional growth, Oluwatoyin expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government for employing 25 animal health technologists, signifying a recognition of the profession's importance. He also announced that NAAHHT is privileged to be part of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) project, which aims to empower members to work alongside veterinarians in enhancing livestock productivity.
Speaking with CEOAFRICA, Mr. Olayinka G. Oluwatoyin elaborated on the retreat's purpose: "The technologists retreat is about bringing everybody in the Southwest Zone together. We gather to affiliate members into the professional body and maintain a database for ourselves; we also established this retreat to create opportunities for our members to connect with mentors." He highlighted that NAAHHT technologists are trained practitioners equipped for self-employment and job creation. "We are active members of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, and we partner with organizations that support food production, particularly protein," he added.
Students from the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, also shared their insights on the retreat's impact. Geofrey remarked, "This retreat is a good one where a lot of information is shared, and we meet with NAAHHT past members and executives from whom we gain a great deal." He described the program as "very educative," reinforcing the value of such gatherings.
Similarly, fellow student Makinde expressed enthusiasm for NAAHHT's role in facilitating connections with industry leaders. "NAAHHT is a ground that gives students the opportunity to meet with prominent figures in the industry. It has always been my dream to venture into animal production. I believe the government should provide us with access to land for poultry and other livestock production, enabling us to delve deeper into this field and educate others about the importance of agriculture," he stated.
Awards were presented to retired technologists in recognition of their contributions to the field, honoring their dedication and service over the years. The program successfully combined professional development, networking, and recognition of contributions to the sector, reinforcing the commitment of NAAHHT and its members to advancing animal health and husbandry practices in Nigeria.
The retreat successfully provided a platform for reflection, learning, and collaboration among animal health technologists in Oyo State, underscoring their commitment to excellence and progress in the field. This gathering not only served as an occasion for professional development but also for fostering partnerships that aim to push the animal health and husbandry fields forward within Oyo State and beyond.
