Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the promotion of animal health and eradication of rabies in the state.
The Governor affirmed this at the 2020 World Rabies Day Celebration organized by Kebbi state chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) this Monday at Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi, with the theme “End Rabies: Collaborate, Vaccinate”.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu expressed gratitude to the organizers for choosing Kebbi state for this year’s conference, which he described as gathering of scientists of reputable knowledge of both human and veterinary medicine.
He urged them to always engage in research work and provide solution readily available for subsequent use, as well as making the world know Nigerian scientists were competent and capable to contributing to the elimination of rabies.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu commended the special guest of honour, AIG Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Baju, Speaker, Professor Asabe Dzikwi and CEO of War against Rabies foundation Dr. Grace Sabo Kia.
In her address the National President of Veterinary Council of Nigeria AIG Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Baju commended Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his giant stride in the fight against rabies and other diseases affecting animals in the state.
Dr. (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar Baju explained that inspite of being a preventable disease, several animals have died as a result of rabies.
She announced that, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria was pleased to support the state with veterinary medical items to further support the fight against rabies and advised stakeholders to take the fight, seriously.
The State Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries Alhaji Animu Garba Dandiga said of the estimated forty thousand dog population in the state, forty three percent had been vaccinated, adding that four veterinary clinics, have been established in Gwadangaji, Bayan Kara and Badariya.
Alhaji Aminu Garba Dandiga said the ministry has been at the forefront in the fight against animal diseases of which the most dreaded was rabies.
In her paper presentation, Professor of Veterinary Medicine from University of Jos, Asabe Dzikwi, explained that, domestic dogs were responsible for ninety-nine cases of rabies with children taking wider percentage of affliction.
Professor Asabe Dzikwi said about 20,000 people die of the disease every year in Africa but explained that, rabies was one hundred percent preventable.
In a vote of thanks, the Kebbi State Chairman of the Association Dr. Nuhu Hussaini Shehu expressed appreciation to Kebbi state Governor Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for prompt response to their needs and approving free vaccination.
He urged the state governor to place emphasis on completion of veterinary hospital in the state, during which the governor flagged-off the vaccination exercise, where Dr. AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju administered first vaccine on a dog.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was later presented with an award of excellence being the first to be given honour for his performance in Animal Health by Founder and CEO, of War against Rabies foundation Dr. Grace Sabo Kia.
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