The Oyo State Government has sought partnership with the new executive council of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to ensure peace and food security in the state.
The state government also called on the association to collaborate with the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to preach peace and harmonious coexistence among their members.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in the state, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated this during the inauguration of the new executives of the association.
Olaleye, who added that the government needed the cooperation of all stakeholders on direct participation in farming and businesses, said the government’s doors remained open to the executive.
Represented by the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer, Control Post and Cattle Markets and Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Dr Adeniran Liadi Mobolaji, the Commissioner lauded Governor Makinde for taking proactive steps to address herders-farmers’ clash in the state.
He said the administration had also launched several initiatives to boost livestock production in the state.
Olaleye said the initiatives included free vaccination of large animals across the 33 local government areas of the state, free anthrax vaccination, administration of 250,000 doses of PPR vaccines for sheep and goats, among others.
“You will all recall that immediately the Federal Government removed fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, our magnanimous governor launched an intervention strategy in August 2023 to ensure that citizens are relieved of the pains.
“A programme tagged: Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), was introduced. The initiative introduced in order to boost livestock production in the state includes vaccination of large animals across the 33 local government areas to improve the cattle value chain in Oyo State and anthrax vaccination for all cattle in the state,” Olaleye said.
He charged the executive and members of the association to maintain the peace wherever they are, and preach peace in all their gatherings to promote the good image of the Oyo State government.
“I call unto you to join hands together with the present administration in the state to enhance access to food through peaceful co-existence, direct participation in farming and business, because the government alone cannot do it all.”
Earlier, National President of MACBAN, Baba Usman Ngelzarma, lauded Governor Makinde’s tremendous and consistent support to herdsmen in Oyo State.
He urged the state government to replicate the Federal Ministry of Livestock at the state level, while he also appreciated host communities for their understanding so far.
Ngelzarma expressed his support for the ongoing identification and profiling system of herdsmen in the state, saying that it would help to differentiate good herdsmen from the bad eggs.
Similarly, the Seriki Fulani of Lagos, Muhammed Bambado II, commended Governor Makinde for his fatherly role which he noted made life more abundant for the herding communities in Oyo State.
He further advised herders in the state to be of good conduct while carrying out their herding activities.
