Kwara Tops National Livestock Project Ranking, Beats 19 Other States
Kwara State has clinched the top position in the final performance assessment of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), emerging first among the 20 states participating in the World Bank-supported initiative across the country.
The achievement was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday in Ilorin by the Project Communication and ICT Officer, Yusuf Adebisi, following an independent assessment carried out by the National Coordination Office in collaboration with the World Bank.
According to the statement, the ranking was contained in the L-PRES Project States Performance Assessment and Ranking Report, with states evaluated using performance indicators aligned with World Bank standards.
These indicators included institutional coordination, financial management, safeguards compliance, security management, reporting efficiency and overall delivery of project results.
The assessment described Kwara’s performance as outstanding, attributing the success to the leadership and development-focused agenda of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The statement noted that the governor’s consistent support for agricultural transformation, policy stability and timely release of counterpart funding created a conducive environment for effective project execution.
It also highlighted the role of the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development, which supervises the project, citing strong institutional backing, effective leadership and sound policy direction as key factors behind the state’s first-place finish.
Reacting to the recognition, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the ranking reflects Kwara’s commitment to accountability and results-driven governance.
“This recognition validates Kwara’s commitment to transparency, prudent resource management and impactful livestock sector reforms. It affirms the systems we have put in place to ensure timely delivery and measurable impact for beneficiaries, particularly across the livestock value chain,” she said.
The commissioner commended the Federal Government, the World Bank, development partners, community stakeholders and implementing teams for their collective contributions to the success recorded under the project.
On his part, the State Project Coordinator, Mr Olusoji Awesome, attributed the feat to teamwork and strict adherence to project implementation standards, describing the outcome as a national endorsement of Kwara’s governance approach.
“Kwara has been nationally recognised for outstanding performance in the implementation of the L-PRES Project, reflecting strong governance and a firm commitment to livestock sector transformation. Our focus remains on sustaining high standards and delivering tangible benefits to livestock producers across the state,” he said.
Awesome explained that the L-PRES Project is aimed at improving livestock productivity, strengthening resilience and boosting value chain performance.
He added that in Kwara, the project has delivered measurable benefits, including improved pasture development, enhanced animal health services, stronger livestock value chains and expanded opportunities for farmers, processors, women and youth entrepreneurs.
