Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for increased Federal Government support to strengthen livestock development, create jobs and expand economic opportunities in the state.

Oyebanji made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a working visit to Ekiti.

The governor said the livestock sector has significant potential to boost agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods and attract investment. He appealed for federal intervention to expand the Ikun Dairy Farm and other livestock projects.

Oyebanji also commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing a separate Ministry of Livestock Development.

Earlier, the minister commissioned an ultra-modern veterinary hospital in Ado-Ekiti and inspected ongoing projects under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support programme.

The projects inspected include the Ikun Dairy Farm, Emure poultry hub, Ado-Ekiti cattle market and Erifun broiler processing plant.

Maiha assured the state of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and expanding the livestock value chain.