By Usman Abubakar
Nigeria’s first organized livestock settlement and ranch was inaugurated at Mafa, Borno State, Saturday, January 11, when the co-chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Livestock Reform, Prof. Attahiru Jega urged all other states to follow suit to facilitate the resolution of the seemingly intractable farmer-herder clashes across the country.
The Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement is a 4-square km project built by Borno State government in collaboration with the federal government for 461 nomadic families from eighteen communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency.
The Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, praised Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, for establishing a cattle ranch that is the first of its kind in Nigeria with the support of the federal government.
“I must say that I witnessed something I had never seen in our country today. We have seen today the vision of a leader, the passion and commitment to what clearly will help drive economic growth, uplift the lives and livelihood of people and provide employment to our citizens,” Prof Jega said.
“It is highly commendable and encouraging that Borno State has shown leadership and commitment to livestock development based on what we have seen at today’s event,” the former INEC chairman added.
He also said, “It is gratifying that the state is ahead with the launching of the Annual Animal Vaccination Scheme and distribution of livestock for livelihood restoration and economic empowerment of the citizens.”
The erstwhile Bayero University Vice Chancellor said: “It is commendable that the state has both the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development and Borno State Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA).”
Speaking at the occasion, Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, explained: “In addition to a house, each of the 461 families received pairs of bulls and heifers, goats, and a humanitarian relief package consisting of essential food and non-food items.”
He explained further: “The project has facilities that include a housing estate with road networks, schools, health clinics, veterinary services, and state-of-the-art dairy and beef upgrading centres.
“Other facilities are pasture development centres, milk collection centres, earth dams to secure water supply, markets to foster local trade, and security outposts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.”
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, flabbergasted by Zulum’s feat, decorated the governor with the ministry’s logo in appreciation of his commitment to livestock development.
