The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has raised concerns regarding the scheduling and coordination of activities related to the establishment of the new Ministry of Livestock Development, announced by President Bola Tinubu.
The NVMA expressed particular frustration over an impromptu meeting called by the Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee on the same dates as the association’s 60th National Congress, held in Vom, Plateau State—a landmark event celebrating 100 years of veterinary practice in Nigeria.
NVMA National President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, stated that the overlap in scheduling prevents members from actively contributing to discussions on the ministry’s formation.
He noted, “This action will deprive members of the association from contributing positively at the formative stage of the new ministry.”
In a statement titled ‘Letter from Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee Threatens National Congress of Veterinarians,’ the NVMA expressed dismay, stating, “Despite the massive publicity given to their 60th National Congress, the Committee still chose the same day for such a crucial meeting.”
Dr Arokoyo underscored the significance of the congress, stating, “The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association is holding her 60th National Congress in the city of Jos, home to the profession as it took root in Vom one hundred years ago.
“The joy of this epoch-making event with a significant milestone was however turned sour when key members in attendance from the Veterinary Council, academia, and leading private sector managing directors received letters from the Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee requesting them to an unplanned meeting at Abuja the same time, 22nd–25th October, as the ongoing Congress, which also included the Annual General Meeting.”
The NVMA statement continued, “The National President, Dr Moses Arokoyo was bewildered by this invitation to his members, particularly because most of those confirmed to have received said letter had significant roles to play at the Congress and AGM.”
Arokoyo added, “Quite troubling was the fact that the print and social media had for months been awash with the advertisement of the Congress.
He noted sadly that the Congress, which should be considered for participatory alignment by the Livestock Reforms Committee, was now going to either suffer some setbacks or the veterinarians called fail to attend, in which case their quality contributions in this formative stage of the Ministry of Livestock Development be scuttled.”
Reflecting on the ministry’s launch, Dr. Arokoyo questioned, “Why turn the blessed pronouncement of this ministry by Mr.. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to a disadvantaged take-off?”
The NVMA President concluded with a call for transparent coordination, emphasizing, “As President, I am wondering who selected those to represent the national interests of the veterinarians in Nigeria?
“Neither is the Council President, who is a member of the Reforms Committee, aware of this planned meeting; something is not right.”
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