…. Transforms Lives, Boosts Food Security
By:Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, presided over the momentous commissioning of the Ngarannam Livestock Ranching Centre in Mafa town recently . This centre, one of three planned across the state’s senatorial districts, signifies a major step towards a more prosperous Borno.
“This project reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable livestock agriculture and food security,” Governor Zulum declared. “It also embodies our determination to rebuild the lives of our people, especially those impacted by insurgency and displacement.”
The Ngarannam centre is a collaborative effort between the Borno State government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. It aligns with the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and Governor Zulum’s 10-Pact Agenda, both prioritizing rural livelihood support and food security.
This state-of-the-art facility boasts a comprehensive infrastructure, encompassing essential amenities like housing, schools, healthcare clinics, veterinary services, and advanced dairy and beef production units. Additionally, pasture development centres, milk collection points, secure water sources, and local markets promote agricultural activities and economic opportunities.
Governor Zulum emphasized, “These structures represent more than just buildings; they symbolize hope, restoration, and resilience for our people.”
Beyond infrastructure development, the initiative provides direct support to 461 households from 18 communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency in the Ngarannam area. Each household receives a pair of bull and heifer, goats, and essential humanitarian aid.
Governor Zulum extended an invitation to multinational commercial livestock investors. Borno State’s vast grazing reserves and fertile land offer a unique opportunity for growth and development in Nigeria’s livestock sector. Partnerships are welcome to not only enhance productivity but also transform Borno into a thriving agricultural hub, generating employment and economic prosperity for the people.
Governor Zulum concluded by expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. He reaffirmed Borno’s commitment to aligning with the federal government’s livestock reform programs. Borno, with its substantial livestock population, is poised to be a leader in this sector, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, has commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, for establishing a cattle ranch that is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Professor Jega made the commendation on Saturday in Mafa LGA at the commissioning of Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement constructed by Zulum’s administration, 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.
Meanwhile, the minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has branded Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, with the ministry’s logo appreciating his commitment to livestock development.
The ministers said, “I am delighted to join you at this occasion of the commissioning of Ngarannam Livestock Improvement Ranch Settlement built by Borno State Government. I wholeheartedly congratulate and commend His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, on this laudable project which will immensely benefit the good people of Borno State and Nigeria in general, with attendant implications for addressing the food security challenges in our nation.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of Borno and the overseeing Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur, stated that Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement is one of the three established by the Zulum administration, one in each senatorial district of the state.
According to him, while that of Ngarannam is commissioned, the other two are also at 90% completion stage. He said, “It is with immense gratitude and pride that I stand before you today to welcome you all as we commission Ngarannam RUGA as first in the list of the three livestock ranching centres (RUGA) located on Grazing Reserve across the three senatorial districts of Borno State.”
He added, “These centres symbolise our commitment to sustainable development, peaceful coexistence, and economic empowerment for our people. The remaining two RUGA centres will be commissioned in due course as the works have reached over 90 per cent completion.
The event has been graced by minister of Agriculture, shehu of Borno, members of deligation from federal and state governments.
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