President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development in a bold move to stop the recurring clashes between herders and farmers resulting in destruction of lives and property across the country.
He said: “This presents a unique opportunity to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, give people the opportunity to excel. Our vet doctors can give us the necessary opportunity to rear, crossbreeding and stop the wanton killings. Even animal feeds is a huge economy.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, the President explained that the creation of the new ministry was sequel to the recommendation of the Presidential panel on reform of Livestock industry set up to provide long term solution to constant clashes between farmers and herders in September, 2023.
He said: “The far reaching recommendation in their report, informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms and seize the great opportunity to better the live of our people, rather than the conflict promoted agenda.
“It is our renewed hope and I believe that hope is here. Trying to see a great opportunity for wealth in a situation that is very conducive. I must mention here that, I have discussed in a number of occasions with the governors, the need to seize this opportunity, let’s run with it from here”.
President Tinubu also said his administration would adopt the recommendation of ranching by the committee.
According to him: “Traditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s social economic growth and development. With all measures that is available to us, I don’t want us to turn this environment to another talk opportunity, I just want to inaugurate this community to ensure that I am ready.
“I assure you and Nigerian public that we need to create this economy, seize this opportunity. These ranches you recommend, and promote, I will work with it. And luckily, we have information and technology minister present too.
“Herds of cows can be identified with chips and be tracked these days. If other technologies is available to us, we are ready to work. As I said from the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here and we must run with it.”
The President, who pleaded with the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje to step down as the Chairman of the reform panel to avoid giving the newly inaugurated committee political colouration, also named the former Chairman of the Independent Nation Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega as the co-Chair of the committee while assuming the position of the Chairman of the newly inaugurated panel.
His words: “Let me take advantage of the presence here, to thank the former executive governor of Kano State and the chairman of All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje for assembling the best minds and experts to find solution by convening national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associate conflicts in Nigeria in February last year.
“At this juncture, I will appeal to remove everything of partisan politics from it, assume the chairmanship of the committee as the president and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair. And I asked Dr Ganduje, we say thank you, just remove yourself so that anything of politics in this environment will be erased completely. This is not about politics, this is about opportunity, this is about our nation.
“So, while I may be absent, Jega will preside and contribute to promote. We’ve solved the problem, we have identified the models for livestock management. It is down in other countries, in other climes successfully promoted. It created great economy and empowerment for ordinary people.
President Tinubu further explained his administration’s initiative to encourage livestock farming and cold chain logistics.
According to him: “First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, diary product, cold chain logistics, collectively offers substantial commercial and economic advantages, we have seen solution and opportunity, with this adversity that has plagued us over the years, and I believe the prosperity is here in your hands.
“The diary industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supply essential proteins and vitamins through milk and its derivatives such as chesse, yoghurt, butter and economic advantages.
“Efficient cold-chain, logistics are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhanced export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefit farmers, processors, herders, distributors and consumers alike”.
The President also stressed: “Traditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s social economic growth and development. With all measures that is available to us, I don’t want us to turn this environment to another talk opportunity, I just want to inaugurate this community to ensure that I am ready.”
“I assure you and Nigerian public that we need to create this economy, seize this opportunity. These ranches you recommend, and promote, I will work with it. And luckily, we have information and technology minister present too.
“Herds of cows can be identified with chips and be tracked these days. If other technologies is available to us, we are ready to work. As I said from the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here and we must run with it.
“The governors are hereby represented, any law that might inhibit the promotion and the actualization of our objective, the Attorney General is here, please give it a priority and budget and economic planning minister is here, find a budget head for it to grow; and Finance is here as well to work hard for the money.
“When you have great opportunity as this, why should Nigeria continue in conflict with the caliber of the people that is here?
At the Inauguration were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, among other top government officials.
Deji Elumoye
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