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Farmer-herder clashes: Jega-led committee recommends open grazing, ranching
The Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms, proposed that a combination of ranching and open grazing could be the most viable solution to the farmer-herder crisis in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the committee , Prof. Attahiru Jega, made this known on Thursday, after the 23-member committee submitted a report to President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja.
Briefing State House correspondents, Jega said the committee, which was inaugurated on July 9, had been able to produce an inception report, which he said contained wide ranging recommendations on the transformation of the livestock sector.
“The committee recommended that open grazing and ranching would coexist until enough awareness and adequate infrastructure were created for full adoption of ranching.
“We’ve also made recommendations in terms of how some of these challenges can be addressed,” he said.
He said the President had given his committee full support and encouragement to also drive the process of the implementation of the recommendations of the committee with the new ministry driving the process.
The professor also said the committee provided detailed guidelines on the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
He emphasised the need for focused implementation of the recommendations and periodic review to see where there would be need for repositioning or strengthening of the focus and effort in the actualisation of the recommendations.
“We believe that our recommendations are quite comprehensive, and if we can meticulously implement them, no doubt, very soon we will begin to see its positive impact on our economy.
“Whether it is in terms of job creation or in terms of development of products and services, or even opening up opportunities for exports,” he said.
He said the report specifically contained recommendations on how to develop the value chain of the livestock sector to tap its potential to enhance economic growth and development.
He added that the recommendations included how to create jobs, and also ensure not only food, feed, and nutrition security, but also begin to export many of the products associated with the sector.
“We believe that there has been a neglect of this sector for a very long time.
“And we are happy that Mr. President has recognised the need to redress this neglect, and has invited us to contribute to finding ways and the means of unlocking the opportunities in this sector.
“So, I’m very pleased to say that today we presented an inception report to Mr. President. And it’s a document of about 152 pages divided into five sectors,” said Jega.
He said in the report, the committee addressed 12 terms of reference, and developed 22 objectives of what the reform effort in the livestock sector should entail.
“We’ve been able to make specific recommendations on each of these areas.
“In addition to that, we were also able to identify achievable targeted indicators, about 3,146 of them.
“We believe that by pursuing these and actualising them, there is no doubt that within a reasonable time frame, a maximum period of 10 years, we would see remarkable improvements in virtually all aspects of the livestock sector,” Jega said.
He said the recommendations of the committee included mitigation of the perennial conflicts associated with activities of pastoralists and the nomadic herders.(NAN)
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has strongly denounced the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states, describing the attacks by bandits as an “affront to natural justice” and a violation of human dignity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the group’s convener, James Paul Adama, the forum called for an immediate end to the “relentless onslaught” against innocent civilians.
“This human carnage must stop,” Adama said, urging the government to take swift action to halt the attacks and support affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The group demanded that the perpetrators of these “atrocious acts” be brought to justice, stressing that all Nigerians deserve safety and security.
“The time for action is now,” the statement added.
While commending the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, the forum called for intensified measures to curb the violence.
“We ask that they redouble their efforts to nip this menace in the bud,” Adama said, acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel.
“Your courage and commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of our citizens are an inspiration to us all.”
The statement also highlighted the constitutional duty of the government and security forces to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians, describing the violence as a threat not only to the affected communities but to the nation’s survival.
THEME: IGNITE THE FIRE
The atmosphere was electric as thousands of worshippers within and outside Kogi State gathered at Afims hotel, Oro, Obehira road for the highly anticipated event.The programme which was to start by 7p.m in the evening of Friday March 28,2025 started to have worshippers trooping at the venue around 4p.m.
The programme which was organised by professor Yusuf John Suberu featured a line of powerful men of God and gospel singers which included Bishop Steve Balogun(JP); Apostle Jide Ogunsakin; Rt.Rev.Dr.E.I Onsachi, Bishop, Anglican communion, diocese of Okene;Prophet(Dr.)Ajinomoh Anda Isaac;Rev. Isaac Ogunmola; Pastor Isaiah Alabi, General overseer of the Gospel Assembly Intercontinental; Pastor Solomon Enya, Kogi central coordinator of Peace House;Evangelist Job Apana,Kogi central CAN coordinator; Evangelist Eunice Omonayi;Pastor P-Daniel; Pastor Emerald Johnson; Minister Samuel Temitope; Evangelist Ify Obi and many others.
Another great personality who was in attendance was Dr.James Anaza Duro Joseph,provost of Kogi state college of nursing science, Obangede who represented the secretary-general of Kogi State,Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade.As a special prayer request made by the secretary-general,he(Dr.James) specifically called on professor Yusuf John Suberu to pray for the peace and progress of the state and as well the government officials.
The speakers preached messages emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s mercy in these turbulent times.Prayers for deliverance ,healing and salvation were also rendered.The night was marked by numerous deliverance ,healings and miracles.There was never a period of dull moment as different sessions of prayers,deeper worships and praises were had.
The final preaching of the Kogi night of mercy and worship was delivered by the convener of the programme,Professor Yusuf John Suberu.He preached on the topic “*Principles of igniting the fire”*. To further aid the congregational understanding,he proceeded to highlight four principles required to ignite the fire :
(1). Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
(2). Render faithful service to God
(3). Become a radical giver
(4). Pray without ceasing.
Professor Yusuf also led the people in a powerful session of prayers.In this session of prayers, God’s power and release was made manifest, with people receiving deliverance, healings and fresh anointing.
Kogi night of mercy and worship was a divine encounter,a moment of spiritual connection and transformation.As the worshippers departed,they carried with them a renewed sense of hope and faith, knowing God’s mercy is always
available to those who seek it.
The programme also features distribution of food items to 1000 participants and a scholarship award of two hundred thousand naira (#200,000.00) to miss Ann Ochenika.Professor Yusuf assured that he will execute more scholarship awards through the Kogi central CAN and PFM.He,therefore, charged youths to be in their best behaviour so as to aid qualification for such.
The programme has been described by many to be of one of its kind in Ebira-land.It was proclaimed that never a time was a programme like this held in the land.It had in attendance over one thousand five hundred people(excluding the underaged).The hall with the gallery was totally full and had an overflow.
*To God alone be praised*
Media Team,
Kogi night of mercy and worship.