ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- Dr Winnie Lai-Solarin, former director at the Ministry of Livestock Development, has stressed the importance of the livestock sector in promoting stability and national growth.
Lai-Solarin made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during her retirement and 60th birthday celebration, organised in her honour by staff of the ministry in Abuja.
She stressed the need to raise awareness among Nigerians to help them better appreciate the sector’s significance.
“The sooner people understand the importance of the livestock sector, the easier it will be to manage and reduce crises and conflicts,” she said.
She added that such understanding is necessary for Nigerians to fully benefit from the sector’s potential.
Lai-Solarin expressed her gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, calling him a visionary leader for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
“His decision to create a dedicated ministry for livestock, which many others were reluctant to do, was a bold and visionary move.
“Setting up the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reform Implementation was another strategic initiative,” she added.
She revealed that she was a member of the committee, co-chaired by Prof. Attahiru Jega, and made up of seasoned professionals tasked with repositioning the livestock sector.
Reflecting on her career, Lai-Solarin expressed joy and fulfilment, having served for 34 years, in addition to one year as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
She encouraged civil servants to redefine the public service culture by adopting a more proactive and accountable approach.
She explained that merging a private sector mindset with public service ethics proved successful in her career.
“That way, you don’t wait to be praised or bribed before doing the right thing.
“You do the right thing because it is your duty; to both God and humanity”.
Hakeem Ibolade, Deputy Director, Ranch and Pastoral Resources Development at the ministry, praised Lai-Solarin’s leadership, noting that her departure would leave a void.
“She brought out the best in those willing to learn. We will miss her frankness, her camaraderie, and the way she carried everyone along.
“She leaves behind a vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” Ibolade said.
Also, Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Tinubu, called Lai-Solarin a beacon of hope, a shining light, and a pillar of her community.
Ribadu was represented at the event by Alhaji Uba DariArewa, National President of the Okra Farmers Processing and Marketing Association of Nigeria.
Several directors from the Federal Ministries of Livestock Development and Agriculture and Food Security, along with union members, paid glowing tributes to the retired director. (NAN)
