... As L-PRES National Coordinator Commends Kwara on Project Implementation
The Project Coordinator of the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, has urged livestock farmers and value-chain actors to embrace digital communication tools to improve productivity, access timely information and expand market opportunities.
Oyawoye made the call while delivering his opening remarks at a training programme on “Digital Communication Tools for Enhanced Livestock Production and Market Access,” held at the E-Phoenix Hotel, Ilorin.
The training was organised by the Kwara L-PRES Project in collaboration with Four Icons Premium Limited.
Addressing participants, Mr. Oyawoye said technology is rapidly changing the way people produce, and conduct business, stressing that the livestock sector must take advantage of opportunities created by digital innovation.
He explained that mobile phones and other digital platforms can provide farmers with access to veterinary advice, disease alerts, weather forecasts, extension services and market opportunities. He added that platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram could enable farmers to promote livestock products, engage customers and reach buyers beyond their immediate communities.
The Coordinator, however, cautioned that the growing use of digital platforms comes with challenges, including misinformation, online fraud, unsafe transactions and inadequate digital skills. He encouraged participants to learn how to use digital tools effectively, responsibly and safely, particularly when conducting business online.
Oyawoye urged participants to actively engage in the training, network among themselves, share experiences and apply the knowledge gained to their farming and business activities.
According to him, strengthening digital literacy among livestock stakeholders would contribute to building a more productive, resilient and prosperous livestock sector in Kwara State.
He appreciated all relevant partners, facilitators and stakeholders for supporting the programme.
In his remarks, the National Project Coordinator of the L-PRES Project, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, while declaring the training closed, commended the Kwara State Government for providing the necessary support for the project, describing Kwara as one of the leading states in project implementation and performance.
Dr. Abubakar charged the participants to be good ambassadors of L-PRES and contribute to driving modern livestock farming in the country.
In her presentation, the Team Lead of Four Icons Premium Limited, Mrs. Aishat Ayijimoh Onusi, disclosed that digital technology has transformed the way people interact, communicate and access markets. She advised participants to improve their digital skills to enhance their livestock businesses.
Mrs. Onusi, who is a Communications Strategist and Knowledge Management Specialist, identified limited digital skills, difficulty in finding buyers, inadequate access to timely market information and challenges in communicating and negotiating with buyers online as some of the major constraints facing the livestock business.
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