Our Goal
Strengthen Benue State's livestock sector through policy dialogue, investment mobilisation, innovation, research, strategic partnerships and implementation of sustainable livestock development initiatives.
✦
Official Programme
Livestock • Resilience • Prosperity
Livestock • Resilience • Prosperity
Benue State • Nigeria • 2026
Benue
Livestock Summit
From Vulnerability to Viability: Building Benue's Local Resilience for a Sustainable Livestock Economy
Food Basket of the NationBLS ’26
01 / WELCOME
A shared vision for a stronger livestock economy
A platform for turning Benue's livestock potential into sustainable jobs, investment, food security and rural prosperity.
The Benue Livestock Summit was established to unlock the immense potential of Benue State's livestock sector and position it as a catalyst for economic growth, food security, job creation and rural development.
Building on the maiden summit in 2025, the 2026 edition moves from dialogue to implementation. It convenes policymakers, investors, researchers, development partners, financial institutions, livestock producers, veterinary professionals and agribusinesses to develop practical solutions and accelerate investment across the value chain.
Benue's abundant land resources, favourable ecology, livestock population and vibrant agricultural workforce create a strong foundation. The task ahead is to address challenges such as animal diseases, insecurity, climate change, infrastructure gaps, weak market systems and limited value addition through coordinated action.
1,264+Registered participants in 2025
700+Physical attendees in 2025
2,500+Virtual participants in 2025
11Exhibitors at the maiden summit
02 / THE SUMMIT
Purpose, priorities & impact
Investment & Enterprise
Promote opportunities across livestock value chains, sustainable financing, infrastructure development and private-sector participation.
Health & Sustainability
Advance livestock health, biosecurity, food safety, disease surveillance and climate-smart production systems.
People & Partnerships
Build youth and women's capacity while strengthening collaboration among government, academia, industry, producers and development partners.
Key Objectives
- Review progress on the resolutions of the 2025 Benue Livestock Summit.
- Promote investment opportunities across livestock value chains in Benue State.
- Strengthen public-private partnerships for livestock infrastructure and agribusiness development.
- Showcase innovative technologies, research and best practices in livestock production.
- Promote climate-smart and environmentally sustainable livestock systems.
- Strengthen livestock health, biosecurity, food safety and disease surveillance.
- Enhance access to sustainable financing for farmers, entrepreneurs and agribusinesses.
- Build the capacity of youth and women for profitable livestock enterprises.
- Foster collaboration among government, academia, industry, finance and development partners.
- Produce a practical communiqué and implementation roadmap for livestock development.
03 / LEADERSHIP
Summit executives & organising team
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01 / 10
His Excellency,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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02 / 10
His Excellency,
Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia,
Executive Governor of Benue State, Nigeria.
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03 / 10
His Excellency,
Dr. Sam Ode, mni,
Deputy Governor of Benue State, Nigeria.
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04 / 10
The Right Honourable
Alfred Aondoaver Emberga, MNIQS, RQS,
Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
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05 / 10
His Excellency,
Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha,
Honourable Minister, Ministry of Livestock Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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06 / 10
His Royal Majesty,
Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse,
The Tor Tiv V and Paramount Ruler of the Tiv Nation.
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07 / 10
His Royal Majesty,
Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, CON,
Och’Idoma V and Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Nation.
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08 / 10
Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe,
Director-General, Benue Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control
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09 / 10
Dr Terese Shadrach Akpem,
Founder & CEO, Vet Konect Ltd, Chairman, Benue Livestock Summit 2026
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10 / 10
Dr Terhemen Festus Swem,
Lecturer & Researcher College of Veterinary Medicine, JOSTUM Co-Chairman, Benue Livestock Summit
PROFILE 01 OF 10SCROLL / USE ARROWS
04 / PROGRAMME
Explore the event agenda
Choose a day or session category. The agenda banner glides horizontally to the selected topic, then takes you straight to its detailed programme below.
CLICK A BANNER TO JUMP TO ITS AGENDA01 / OPENING & WELCOME
Day One — Opening, Policy & Investment
FRIDAY · 06 NOVEMBER 2026
01
Opening & Welcome
Set the vision for the summit and welcome stakeholders.
| Time | Programme / Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00–9:15 AM | Arrival, Registration and Networking |
| 9:15–9:25 AM | Opening Ceremony Opening Prayer and National Anthem |
| 9:25–9:35 AM | Welcome Remarks Director General, Benue Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control |
| 9:35–9:45 AM | Welcome Address Chairman, Local Organizing Committee |
| 9:45–10:05 AM | Goodwill Messages |
| 10:05–10:15 AM | Unveiling of Partners, Sponsors and Exhibitors Co-Chairman, Local Organizing Committee |
| 10:15–10:35 AM | Special Address Executive Governor of Benue State |
02
Policy & Investment
Policy leadership, investment opportunities and public-private collaboration.
| Time | Programme / Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:35–11:20 AM | Keynote Address: Unlocking Nigeria’s Livestock Economy Policy, Investment, and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth · Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development |
| 11:50 AM–1:00 PM | Panel Session 1: From Policy to Implementation Building a functional and investable livestock ecosystem in Nigeria. Panel: Federal Ministry of Livestock Development; Benue Bureau of Livestock Development and TAD Control; National Coordinator, L-PRES; Bank of Agriculture (BOA); Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA). |
| 1:00–1:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Beyond Production Mobilising capital and unlocking financing opportunities across Nigeria’s livestock value chain · Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture and National Coordinator, L-PRES. |
| 1:30–2:00 PM | Special Presentation Dr. Moses Arokoyo, President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association — Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate Livestock Development in Nigeria. |
| 3:00–4:00 PM | Keynote Address: Pasture as a Business Unlocking youth opportunities in fodder production and feed enterprise development. |
03
Networking & Exhibitions
Meet partners, discover solutions and build new connections.
| Time | Programme / Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:20–11:50 AM | Exhibition Viewing and Stakeholder Engagement |
| 2:00–3:00 PM | Lunch and Networking |
05
Resolutions & Closing
Wrap up the day and prepare for the next phase.
| Time | Programme / Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00–4:45 PM | Day One Closing Remarks and Announcements |
Day Two — Innovation, Technical Sessions & Action
SATURDAY · 07 NOVEMBER 2026
04
Innovation & Technical Sessions
Discover new ideas, technical knowledge and applied research.
| Time | Programme / Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:15 AM | Opening Remarks and Recap of Day One |
| 9:15–10:00 AM | Livestock Innovation Challenge |
| 10:00–11:30 AM | Concurrent Technical Breakout Sessions Pig production; poultry — broilers; poultry — layers; aquaculture; cattle — dairy and beef systems; small ruminants — goats and sheep; feed and fodder production. |
| 12:00–1:15 PM | Panel Session 2: Strengthening Security, Investment and Market Systems Panel: Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA); Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC); Nigeria Police Force; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Traditional Rulers Council; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi; All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). |
| 2:15–3:45 PM | Research and Scientific Presentations Animal health, livestock production systems, agribusiness innovation, food systems and security, and climate resilience. |
03
Networking & Exhibitions
Refresh, connect and view partner innovations.
| Time | Programme / Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:30 AM–12:00 PM | Tea Break, Networking and Exhibition Viewing |
| 1:15–2:15 PM | Lunch Break, Exhibition Viewing and Networking |
02
Policy & Stakeholder Dialogue
High-level dialogue on priorities and practical action.
| Time | Programme / Activity |
|---|---|
| 2:15–3:45 PM | High-Level Ministerial Town Hall Meeting Exclusive session for invited stakeholders. |
05
Resolutions & Closing
Capture commitments and close the summit.
| Time | Programme / Activity |
|---|---|
| 3:45–4:15 PM | Presentation of the Benue Livestock Summit 2026 Communiqué and Resolutions |
| 4:15–4:45 PM | Closing Ceremony Vote of thanks, closing remarks, appreciation of sponsors and partners, and official closing. |
Building a resilient
livestock future.
Benue's livestock economy can become a stronger engine for investment, food security, employment and sustainable rural development. The work begins with shared commitment—and continues with action.
Benue Livestock Summit 2026 · Makurdi, Nigeria