The One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI) took part in the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) National Conference 2025, held from 23rd – 30th October at Crest Resort in Jalingo, Taraba State. The annual conference brought together veterinarians, researchers, industry players, and students from across the country.
OHDI was represented by Dr Yakubu Nabil and Dr Nasiru Salawu. Their participation highlighted the organisation’s growing role in advancing animal welfare, sustainable livestock systems, and One Health integration in Nigeria.
Elevating Welfare and Sustainability Conversations
Throughout the week, OHDI’s exhibition booth quickly became one of the most visited spaces at the conference. More than 350 participants stopped by to learn about the organisation’s work. Many showed strong interest in OHDI programs such as:
- POWELS – Poultry Welfare and Sustainable Systems Program
- AFIWEL – Africa Fish and Aquaculture Welfare Program
- SAFE Framework – Sustainable, Accessible, Food-Safe, and Ethical livestock production and market access systems
Visitors engaged in discussions on animal welfare, humane production systems, cage-free poultry production models, and the critical role of veterinarians in promoting ethical and climate-smart livestock practices.
OHDI also hosted a small focused discussion with experts to explore practical ways to promote and implement cage-free poultry systems in Nigeria.
Strengthening Partnerships and Visibility
Several high-level stakeholders interacted with the OHDI team during the conference. These included:
- The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria
- The Registrar and President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN)
- The President of NVMA
- Senior professors from universities and research institutions
- CEOs and representatives from veterinary pharmaceutical and agribusiness companies
OHDI’s participation increased its visibility within Nigeria’s veterinary community and strengthened its position as a national leader in animal welfare and sustainable livestock systems. Many veterinarians signed up to join OHDI’s Farmers Engagement Platform, showing rising interest in welfare-based poultry production.
Insights and Future Directions
The NVMA Conference highlighted the need for strong collaboration among government agencies, universities, research bodies, industry partners, and civil society. This kind of collaboration is key for advancing ethical and sustainable livestock systems.
OHDI plans to follow up with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, the Chief Veterinary Officer’s Office, and partners such as Propcom+ to deepen work on animal welfare policy reform, training, and capacity building.
These engagements also support OHDI’s preparations for the upcoming National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue and Action Planning Workshop on Animal Welfare in Nigeria. Many of the partners met in Jalingo will be invited to co-create a national roadmap for welfare and sustainability in the livestock sector.
A Step Forward for One Health
By participating in the NVMA National Conference, OHDI reinforced its commitment to improving animal welfare, food safety, and environmental health, all core pillars of the One Health approach.
As Dr Nabil shared, “The interest and conversations we had at the NVMA Conference show that welfare and sustainability are fast becoming central to Nigeria’s veterinary and livestock agenda. We are proud to be at the forefront of that change.”
