Edo Governor Suspends Livestock Commissioner, LPRES Coordinator Pending Review

The Edo State Government has suspended two senior officials connected to the state’s livestock sector, signaling what appears to be an administrative review of the implementation of a major livestock development programme.

Governor Monday Okpebholo approved the suspension of the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa, alongside the Edo State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project, Mrs. Ikpikhumi Betsy Aghaku, according to an official government statement issued on Monday evening.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor.

Officials Directed to Hand Over Government Property

As part of the suspension directive, both officials have been instructed to immediately transfer all official files, project records, documents and government property related to the LPRES Project to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development.

They have also been directed to report to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for what the government described as a comprehensive debriefing on the implementation of the LPRES Project.

At the time of publication, the Edo State Government has not disclosed the specific allegations of misconduct or provided further details on the circumstances that led to the suspensions.

What Is the LPRES Project?

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project is a collaborative programme involving the Federal Government and participating state governments. The initiative focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s livestock value chain by improving productivity, increasing resilience against sector challenges, and enhancing the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

The programme is designed to support modern livestock management through investments in infrastructure, animal health, market access, and institutional capacity across participating states.

Why the Suspensions Matter

The suspension comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to modernize its livestock industry to improve food security, reduce production challenges, and create economic opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.

Because the Commissioner for Livestock Development and the state LPRES Coordinator play key roles in policy implementation and project management, their suspension could temporarily affect administrative activities within the ministry until further decisions are announced.

However, the government has not indicated whether the action is part of a disciplinary process, an ongoing investigation, or a routine administrative measure.

Timeline of Events

• Monday: Governor Monday Okpebholo approves the suspension of the Commissioner for Livestock Development and the Edo LPRES Project Coordinator.
• Same day: The Secretary to the State Government issues an official statement announcing the decision.
• Immediate effect: Both officials are ordered to hand over all LPRES-related government documents and assets.
• Next step: The suspended officials are expected to appear before the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for a comprehensive debriefing.

What to Watch Next

The Edo State Government is expected to provide further clarification on the reasons behind the suspensions if additional findings emerge.

Observers will also be watching for:

• Whether an investigation will be formally announced.
• Appointment of acting officials to oversee the Ministry of Livestock Development and the LPRES Project.
• Any official update on the future implementation of LPRES activities in Edo State.

Until then, the suspensions remain administrative actions, and no detailed allegations have been publicly released by the state government.