By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) extends its profound
gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the creation of the Ministry of Livestock
Development.
In a statement signed and released by Hon Khalid Muhammad Bello the national Chairman of the Association made available to pressmen in Damaturu said that, This significant move underscores the President’s genuine commitment to resolving the long-standing Farmers/Herders conflicts in Nigeria.
According to him, establishing this Ministry and a special Commission dedicated to the development of
the livestock sector, President Tinubu has demonstrated a historic level of dedication to
addressing these critical issues.
For many years, KACRAN has fervently advocated for the creation of a Federal Ministry
of Livestock Development, tasked with the comprehensive development of this vital yet
neglected economic sector. This Ministry will work tirelessly to enhance livestock
productivity and resolve the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders, who are
integral to each other’s livelihoods.
“We commend President Tinubu for his magnanimity and dedication to fostering peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria. Additionally, his robust financial support for the North East Development Commission (NEDC) is
significantly contributing to the region’s overall development.
The appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega, a man of the highest repute, as Deputy Chairman of the Commission, further underscores President Tinubu’s resolve to end
these conflicts.
“We are confident that these courageous steps will significantly boost the Agricultural sector, ensuring that all livestock value chains, including dairy production,meat supplies, and hide and skin operations, function optimally, thereby generating
substantial revenue for federal, state, and local governments and enhancing the nation’s
GDP.”
“We earnestly appeal to President Tinubu to appoint a dedicated, humble, honest, and
transparent individual as the Minister of the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.”
This appointment is crucial for realizing the President’s vision of a developed livestock sector that will create millions of job opportunities for our burgeoning population engaged in livestock production.
“We, the leaders of Nigeria’s pastoralist community, who are key stakeholders in livestock production, have full confidence in the Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services under the capable leadership of Dr Winnie Lai Solorin.”
Their dedication and
sincerity towards the promotion and development of the livestock sector in Nigeria will,
by God’s grace, serve as a testament to President Tinubu’s commendable achievements during his tenure.
“We also take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, for his generous distribution of
5,340 ruminants to women in Yobe State.”
According to him, This initiative, part of an agricultural
empowerment scheme providing three ruminants to ten beneficiaries in each of the state’s 178 wards,was announced during a multi-billion-naira agricultural empowerment program.
This program was officially launched at the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu on Saturday, July 20, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ably represented by Vice
President Hon. Kashim Shettima.
“We immensely thank and highly appreciate Governor Buni’s gesture and kindness towards Yobe State farmers and pastoralists.KACRAN stands in support of any
initiative by federal, state, or local governments, or individuals aimed at improving the well-being of Nigeria’s pastoralist communities, both men and women and Nigerians as a whole.”
“We are also extremely grateful for the vital role Governor Buni has played through the Executive Secretary of State SEMA, Dr Mohammed Goje, in ensuring that
Yobe State pastoralists are included in all SEMA policies and programs, including the
provision of animal feed and relief materials.”
We call on all Northern Governors to emulate President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu and Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, in promoting the livestock sector and empowering pastoralists.”
“We believe that by doing so, the dividends of democracy will
reach the doorsteps of our pastoralist communities, regardless of their rural or remote
locations.”