The Ekiti State Government has imported 880 animals from South Africa to revive the state owned Fountain Dairies.

Vanguard newspaper reports that the animals consist of 690 pregnant cows, two bulls, 90 female sheep, 90 female goats, four male goats and four male rams.

According to Akin Oluwaleye, managing director of Fountain Dairies the animals were bought at a cost of N280 million (US$1.9 million).

Oluwaleye said it is the vision of the state government to make Ekiti an important producer of livestock and dairy products.

The Guardian quotes Ekiti State Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Co-operatives and Tourism, Dare Omotosho saying that the diary farm will be leased out to a competent private investor.