By Chioma Umeha
The Minister of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has applauded the efforts
of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of Peak and Three Crowns Milk, in creating
and successfully hosting Nigeria’s first Dairy Farmers’ Day programme.
In a message delivered at
the occasion, Ogbeh said, “This first edition of the Dairy Farmers’ Day
highlights the importance of dairy farming in the provision of food and
employment for rural farmers. It celebrates and encourages dairy farmers from
the five Local Government Areas where the Dairy Development Programme (DDP) is
currently being implemented in Oyo State.
“Let me reiterate the
Federal Government’s commitment to the success of FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s DDP
which has taken a firm root in Oyo State and is spreading to other parts of the
country.” Five dairy farmers emerged winners from the five LGAs where the DDP
has produced excellent improvements in dairy farming standards, local milk
sourcing, improved business model and farmers’ livelihood.
Each winner of the award
for good dairy farming practices got a brand new motorbike, which was presented
by the Chairman Board of Directors, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr Moyo Ajekigbe.
The winners are Adamu Aliu Poku of Fashola LGA, Kadade Amodu (Alaga LGA),
Mohammed Osomo (Iseyin LGA), Amuda Yusuff Aliu (Maya LGA) and Abdukareem Jubril
(Saki LGA).
In his address, Mr. Ben Langat,
Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, said, “As a company, we will
continue to lead in steering economic solutions in the dairy sector and play a
key role in the on-going efforts to improve and maximise the potentials of
dairy farming in Nigeria.
Today’s event celebrates
all our farmers across the communities here in Oyo State where the Dairy
Development Programme is currently being implemented.
It also facilitates
knowledge exchange and experiential learning between our local dairy farmers
and dairy experts from within and outside Nigeria.” The event featured
presentation on the theme: “Dairy Farming: A Business Lead for Economic Growth”
as well as panel discussions.
