Arla Foods Nigeria has successfully concluded the 2026 Arla-Dano Damau Open Day, bringing together farmers, students, government representatives, development partners and dairy industry stakeholders for a two-day showcase of modern dairy farming.
Held on 28th and 29th October at the Arla-Dano Farm in Damau, Kaduna State, the event hosted over 850 guests, providing participants with first-hand insights into advanced dairy farming practices, demonstrating the potential of technology, animal care, expertise and investment to strengthen local milk production.
Home to over 450 Friesland Holstein cattle, a highlight of the 2 day event was the farm’s impressive milk production. During the live cow milking demonstration, where the highest yield equaled 57 liters from one cow in one day, showing what can be achieved with the right breed, animal care, correct management and optimal conditions. In comparison a Fulani cow produces 1-2 liters of milk a day. The achievement offered a compelling demonstration of the possibilities of modern dairy farming and the importance of investing in animal nutrition, health, farm management and technical knowledge to improve productivity.
Through guided farm tours, practical demonstrations and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants gained valuable exposure to modern dairy operations and the practices that underpin efficient milk production. The event also provided a platform for engagement with over 20 exhibiting dairy farming service and product suppliers, allowing guests engage with industry professionals, gain fresh perspectives and exchange experiences.
“In her opening remarks, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications for Arla Foods Nigeria Ms. Elele Ogunsanya said “At Arla we believe dairy plays an important role in nourishing communities, supporting livelihoods and creating opportunities across the value chain. Here in Nigeria, that commitment extends beyond the products we offer. It is reflected in our efforts to develop local dairy farming, strengthen farmer capabilities, share knowledge and build partnerships that contribute to a more resilient dairy sector. By investing in people, skills and local milk production, we are helping to create lasting value for farmers, communities and future generations”
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Arla Foods Open Day event noting in his speech that “while celebrating the Arla Dano Farm Open Day today, the sector needs to look ahead and focus on the lasting impact of its collective efforts. Our shared ambition should be a Nigeria where children have improved access to nutritious food, farmers earn sustainable incomes, dairy processors benefit from stronger local supply chains, and young people find meaningful employment and enterprise opportunities across the livestock value chain. Achieving this ambition requires sustained collaboration, responsible investment and a shared commitment to results. I urge all stakeholders to build on the partnerships demonstrated here today and pursue practical initiatives that improve child nutrition, increase local production, create jobs and strengthen community livelihoods”
A major milestone of the 2026 Open Day was the presentation of Arla’s new School Feeding Programme in Kaduna State. An initiative aimed to contribute to improved child nutrition, support educational outcomes and create a demand for locally sourced milk. Arla intends to nourish school kids in Kaduna with freshly produced yoghurt from the farm several times a week. By bringing together dairy development, nutrition and education, the programme represents an important step towards exploring how the dairy value chain can deliver benefits beyond milk production. The programme would commence with a pilot phase with select schools in Kaduna state and will be implemented in collaboration with the milk value chain foundation.
The Honourable commissioner of Kaduna State Mr. Murtala Dabo representing the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, in his speech commended the school feeding programme and reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to providing the policy stability, security cooperation and enabling infrastructure necessary for investments such as this to flourish. “I am particularly pleased that today’s engagement also highlights the Kaduna School Feeding Project, which offers an opportunity to connect local dairy production with improved child nutrition and education. By incorporating locally produced milk into school feeding, we can strengthen demand for our farmers’ products while improving the wellbeing of our children.”
As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its domestic dairy capacity, the experience at Damau highlighted the importance of combining practical learning, investment and collaboration to build a more productive and self-sufficient dairy sector, while inspiring the next generation of dairy professionals and unlocking new opportunities for the industry.
