My Experience at the First Benue Livestock Summit ’25

Insights and Highlights from My Experience 

Day One: The Arrival and Initial Impressions

On March 21, 2025, I arrived at the Dream Event Center, Makurdi, expecting the summit to be in full swing by 10 AM. However, that was not the case. An usher directed me to my seat inside a stifling hot plastic tent with only one open door for ventilation. The lights were off, meaning no air circulation, and I could feel the oppressive heat settling in. While waiting, I distracted myself by greeting acquaintances and scrolling through my phone.

At exactly 12 PM, the lights, air conditioners, and standing fans were switched on, but instead of relief, they circulated the hot and stuffy air, making me question my decision to attend. We were informed that the program would commence as soon as the governor arrived, and that he was "on his way." To keep the audience engaged, the MC, DJ, and cultural troupes provided entertainment. Meanwhile, stakeholders were encouraged to voice their grievances regarding livestock production in Benue. This interactive approach held my attention, and the complimentary small bottles of Coke, water, and shortbread kept my stomach satisfied as I waited.

At around 2 PM, the governor and his convoy arrived, prompting a sudden rush to seats. The swiftness with which the event became organized made me raise an eyebrow, but I had little choice but to go along with it. The event then commenced immediately.

The Opening Ceremony and Key Discussions

The summit began with a Christian prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem. Various stakeholders and dignitaries gave speeches, culminating in the governor formally declaring the summit open. During a short break, he inspected the exhibitions outside. As a veterinarian and stakeholder, I took the opportunity to conduct my own inspection, and I was truly impressed. The highlight? Being served jollof rice and beef, which made my stomach sing with joy. As I enjoyed my meal, the break ended, and the first panel discussion commenced.

Key Takeaways from Day One

The grievance session brought to light several critical issues, reinforcing the reality of what I had learned in the classroom. Stakeholders raised concerns about:

• Feed competition between humans and livestock.
• Fluctuating feed prices, leading to high production costs and low profitability.
• Seasonal influxes of finished livestock during festive periods, affecting market prices.
• Consumer reluctance to buy broilers, preferring local chickens due to fears of hormone use, steroids, and drug residues.
• The negative impact of unqualified veterinarians treating livestock, often leading to fatalities.
• The importance of research before starting production, including soil analysis, disease endemicity, and breed suitability.
• The need for professionals in livestock farming, such as veterinarians, animal scientists, and nutritionists.

During speeches by the governor, ministers, and directors, key challenges were outlined:

1. High cost of capital and production inputs.
2. Climate change affecting livestock.
3. Security threats to livestock farming.
4. Limited resources for farmers and herders.

The summit aimed to address these challenges, empower local farmers, highlight available investment opportunities, and discuss the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts.

The panel discussions were particularly enlightening, covering:

• The importance of using hardy livestock native to specific areas.
• Disease-free zones and their significance for livestock export.
• The need to eliminate divisions within the livestock sector.
• Alternative feed sources to reduce competition with human food production.
• Encouraging natural remedies over synthetic antibiotics to prevent drug resistance.

The first day concluded a little past 5 PM with a Muslim closing prayer, and attendees dispersed for the day.

Day Two: A Late Arrival and Heated Debates

On the second and final day, I arrived fashionably late at 1 PM, conveniently missing the earlier sessions. My excuse? I was starring in a play called "People Have Lives to Live and Things to Do"—directed by "Life Goes On" and screenplay by "No One Cares." Or maybe I just had little faith in Nigerian event punctuality.

Since I entered during the breakout session, I joined the piggery discussion unit, conveniently close to the door. As always, I was well-fed and hydrated.

A passionate panel discussion ensued between pastoralists and crop farmers. Key points raised included:

• Most livestock producers in Benue are also crop farmers.
• The security agencies were questioned on why herder attacks persist. The representative explained that the conflict is a guerrilla warfare situation where herders adapt to countermeasures, leading to prolonged insecurity.
• Farmers lamented that herders infiltrate their farms, kill them, and allow cattle to graze on food stores and crops.
• The cattle breeders' representative argued that most herders seek peace but lack resources and alternative grazing options. He suggested subsidies and grazing reserves as possible solutions.

This struck me as odd since Benue has an anti-grazing law, yet it appears to be merely a suggestion rather than an enforced regulation. The discussion highlighted that herders have traditional grazing routes that are now being developed due to population growth, leading to inevitable conflict. It was also noted that migratory grazing reduces cattle productivity, as animals lose body mass during long-distance movement.

Final Discussions and Closing of the Summit

The third panel focused on challenges, prospects, and sustainable solutions for Benue's livestock sector. Each sector, except small ruminants, was addressed. A strong emphasis was placed on providing subsidies for livestock production, similar to those available for crop farmers.

As a veterinarian, I was particularly interested in the competition between veterinarians and para-vets. The public was educated on the risks of hiring unqualified para-vets, who often worsen livestock health issues. The "Vet Konnect" app was introduced as a platform to locate registered and licensed veterinarians.

The summit concluded with the presentation of communiqués and resolutions, followed by a group picture of all stakeholders. A closing prayer officially ended the event.

Relevance of the Summit to The Vet Vortex

As the founder of The Vet Vortex, I realized how crucial information is to farmers. They need education on:

• Farm biosecurity and quarantine practices.
• Drug abuse, antibiotic resistance, and its impact on both humans and animals.
• The essential requirements for starting a farm.
• The importance of proper feed formulation.
• How to identify qualified veterinarians and locate vet clinics.

This summit reinforced my commitment to providing accurate and relevant livestock health information through my blog.

Looking Forward

I plan to attend more summits in the future and use the insights gained to enhance my blog content as a licensed veterinarian and veterinary content creator.

Final Thoughts and Regrets

Time is the most valuable resource, and despite the notorious "African time" delay, we must learn to respect schedules. The event could have been much more efficient.

One missed opportunity was networking. Due to financial constraints, I could only afford transportation and the certificate of participation. I wished I had funds to print flyers advertising The Vet Vortex.

As an unemployed veterinarian from Vandekya Local Government, a Mede female with an ND in Animal Health and Production and a DVM in Veterinary Medicine, I started this blog to continue learning, educate the public on pet health and zoonotic diseases, and build a career while searching for a stable job.

Conclusion

Despite its flaws, this summit was time well spent, and I would gladly attend again.

From My Personal Corner

The Vet Vortex

Dr. Irtwange, Nguwasen Blessing

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