Kwara State has emerged as the top-ranked state in the final performance assessment of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project among the 20 participating states nationwide.
The ranking followed an independent evaluation conducted by the National Coordination Office in collaboration with the World Bank, as documented in the L-PRES Project States Performance Assessment and Ranking Report.
A statement from the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development, made available to journalists on Thursday, noted that the assessment was based on clearly defined performance indicators aligned with World Bank standards. These indicators covered institutional coordination, financial management, safeguards compliance, security management, reporting efficiency, and delivery of project results.
The ministry highlighted that Kwara’s outstanding performance reflected the “purposeful leadership and development-driven vision” of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, particularly his support for agricultural transformation, policy consistency, and timely provision of counterpart funding, which created an enabling environment for effective project execution.
Strong institutional backing from the state government and effective leadership, policy direction, and supervision by the Ministry of Livestock Development also contributed to the first-place ranking.
Commenting on the achievement, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Adebayo Thomas, said the recognition underscored the state’s commitment to accountability, efficiency, and results-driven governance. “This recognition validates Kwara State’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,” he said.
The State Project Coordinator, Olusoji Oyawoye, attributed the achievement to teamwork and strict adherence to project standards, noting that the ranking positions Kwara as a national model for effective implementation of World Bank-supported projects.
“Kwara State has been nationally recognised for outstanding performance in the implementation of the L-PRES Project, reflecting strong governance and commitment to livestock sector transformation. Our focus remains on sustaining high standards and delivering tangible benefits to livestock producers across the state,” Oyawoye said.
Dip Connects Online News reports that the L-PRES Project is a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at improving livestock productivity, strengthening resilience, and enhancing value chain performance. In Kwara, the project has delivered benefits such as improved pasture development, enhanced animal health services, strengthened livestock value chains, and increased opportunities for farmers, processors, women, and youth entrepreneurs.
The Kwara State Government expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the World Bank, development partners, community stakeholders, and implementing teams for their contributions. The state reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining high implementation standards, deepening impact, and consolidating gains under the L-PRES Project in line with national development priorities and international best practices.
Elijah Adeyemi
