The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has elected new executives, with Rev. Joseph Hayab emerging as chairman.

The new leadership will oversee the association’s affairs for five years.

In his acceptance speech during the unopposed election in Abuja, Rev. Hayab reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, unity, and transparency.

He emphasised that his administration would not be driven by greed but by service to the Christian community and Nigeria.

“We will not allow greed to take over our conscience. We will always be proud of you and make you proud. I want my children to grow up and be proud of their father, son, and son-in-law with integrity,” he said.

He stressed that CAN is an organisation for Christians and believers in Nigerian unity, and progress. He assured members that his leadership would foster dialogue and cooperation with churches across different denominations.

Rev. Hayab acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing leadership and called on them to support the new administration. He urged Christian leaders to respect leadership transitions and avoid conflicts during handovers.

“This was not a coup. It was simply a day for them to leave. If we start respecting leadership transitions, we will set a good example for others. Unlike the political class that seeks tenure elongation, we will serve our term and leave,” he stated.

He also underscored the church’s role in promoting truth, peace, and unity, assuring that CAN would engage constructively with the government without hostility.

“We will speak truth to power, but we are not enemies of the government. We want every administration to succeed, and we will contribute to that success by offering honest counsel,” he added.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the executive secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), congratulated the new CAN leadership and reiterated the importance of religious harmony.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting both Christian and Muslim communities.

“Mr President is not a religious bigot. What he promised Muslims, he has also done for Christians. We have ensured that chairmen from all states can participate in pilgrimages free of charge. Nigeria remains one indivisible entity, and we must stay together,” he said.

He further urged prayers for the country’s leadership and added that his office would continue to promote interfaith relations in accordance with the president’s vision.

Some of the newly elected officials include: chairman: Rev. Joseph John Hayab, vice chairman: Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson TEKAN (ECWA, FCT), secretary: Bishop Mohammed Naga (PFN/CPFN, Borno State), assistant secretary: Ven. Tajudeen Azeez Afolabi (OAIC Bloc, Zamfara State), treasurer: Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo (CSN Bloc, Plateau State), and director, national issues: Pastor Dr. Simon A.S Dolly (CCN Bloc, Nasarawa State).

The new leadership has pledged to strengthen CAN’s presence in Abuja and ensure Northern CAN is more visible nationally.

 

Three prominent northern advocacy groups have called on President Bola Tinubu to remain neutral in the ongoing controversy surrounding the local government chairmanship tenure in Osun State.

The groups—Arewa Youths for Peace and Security, Arewa Renaissance Movement, and Aladun Gargajiyanmu Movement—warned against any presidential interference that could disrupt the fragile peace in the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the spokesperson for the groups, Balarabe Ubandoma, emphasised that political disputes over control of elective offices are a natural part of democratic governance.

He noted that similar power struggles have occurred in Nigeria’s political history, citing the Second Republic when the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) fiercely contested against the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

“The sweetness of democracy is in the contest for elective positions. What is happening in Osun State is not unusual. No right-thinking governor would allow opposition parties to control local government councils, as these are the grassroots where votes truly count,” Ubandoma stated.

The groups particularly urged President Tinubu to refrain from taking sides, cautioning that doing so could inflame tensions in the state. They also called on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to avoid actions that could escalate the situation.

“The President should maintain neutrality and call the Minister and the IGP to order. The matter is not a big issue if all tiers of government are allowed to operate independently,” Ubandoma added.

The northern groups commended Osun State governor Ademola Adeleke for taking steps to maintain peace, including instructing the newly elected local government chairmen under the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to assume office to prevent potential chaos.

They also dismissed social media reports suggesting imminent danger in Osun State, describing them as baseless and the handiwork of detractors.

“All hands must be on deck to move Osun State forward. There is no crisis, only political maneuvering, which is common in democratic settings,” Ubandoma concluded.

The controversy over the local government elections in Osun State has continued to generate debate, with stakeholders closely watching how the federal government will handle the situation.

A prominent political critic in Kano, Abdulmajid Danbilki Commander, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of neglecting the North, claiming his policies have worsened economic hardship in the region.

In a viral TikTok video, Danbilki, who is a popular figure in the APC and staunch supporter of former president, Muhammadu Buhari, slammed Tinubu’s administration for its handling of the economy, particularly the soaring cost of living.

He pointed out that staple food prices have skyrocketed, noting that a bag of rice, which cost N26,000 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, now sells for N96,000.

Danbilki urged Tinubu to urgently tackle these economic challenges before the 2027 elections, warning that the worsening conditions could erode public trust.

He also criticized Northern politicians in Tinubu’s government, accusing them of prioritizing personal interests over regional development.

According to him, despite their significant presence in the administration, they have failed to advocate for policies that benefit the North.

Reminding them that power is temporary, he called on these officials to push for meaningful progress before their tenure ends.

Northern ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet have started throwing their weight behind the administration in the face of growing criticism from opposition figures.

Sunday TheNigerian noted that some of the ministers and senior officeholders recently became vocal following criticisms of the administration by notable elites and politicians.

As the dissenting voices became strident, credible sources said the Presidency gave marching orders to political leaders, ministers, and holders of other top political appointments to move and counter nay-sayers.

Fighting back

The Tinubu administration recently came under intense attack from political groups and party bigwigs, including former governors.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had responded to recent criticisms from some political figures.

He condemned a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for making what he described as “reckless and inflammatory” comments against Tinubu, stressing that they were dangerous, especially when the government was working to strengthen national unity and security.

Similarly, Matawalle reacted to the Northern Elders Forum’s expression of regret over its support for Tinubu in the 2023 general election.

He criticised the NEF, describing it as a “political burden to northerners” and accusing the group of attempting to erode the rights of others for personal gain.

A former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also had a public spat over the President.

El-Rufai accused the NSA of having “serious amnesia” for denying past statements in which he allegedly described President Tinubu as the “most corrupt” politician.

He also referenced records from a 2006 Federal Executive Council meeting, where Ribadu, as the then Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, allegedly made similar allegations against Tinubu.

In response, Ribadu, through his lawyer, demanded a public apology and retraction from El-Rufai.

In a similar vein, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, recently responded to criticisms of President Tinubu’s administration by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

Mohammed had accused the Tinubu government of failing to deliver on its promises, triggering a sharp rebuttal from Tuggar.

The minister described the governor’s remarks as “mischievous” and urged him to avoid misleading the public on national matters.

Tuggar highlighted that Bauchi State had seen a significant increase in federal allocation due to fiscal reforms but lamented the absence of tangible development.

He further accused the governor of trying to dominate the state and deploying tactics that had previously led to unrest during his time as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Ministers acting on instructions

A strong ally of one of the two defence ministers in the Tinubu cabinet said the northern leaders had orders to confront mounting opposition against the President.

The source said, “Yes, we need to silence these nay-sayers,” alluding to the campaigns of the 2027 anti-Tinubu forces from the North.

“I’m sure that of recent, you have seen many of the ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet coming out to counter these oligarchs as you call them.

“They are in the minority and the President or the Presidency is not afraid of them, but we too, and by this, I mean our political leaders, ministers, and holders of other top political appointments have been given the mandate and marching orders by the Presidency to move to the campaign fields and counter the naysayers from the elites in the north.”

Another reliable source in the presidential villa and principal officer to Tinubu told Sunday TheNigerian that aside from the marching orders to political office holders of northern extraction to resell the President to the North, there was strong contention between the two subzones in the region over where the pendulum would swing to after 2027.

He said, “The issue goes beyond the 2027 presidential ambition of the President. Many of these politicians from the north who are in our government know the implications of not supporting Tinubu’s ambition for 2027.

“They know that two notable zones in the North — the North West and North East — are now sharply divided over where the presidential candidate of the ruling APC after 2027 should come from and who will succeed President Tinubu in 2031.

“While notable politicians from the North-West including ex-Senator Wammako and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, are fighting tooth and nail to discredit President Tinubu from running for second term in 2027, those from the North-East, including the incumbent Vice President, Kassim Shettima, and some ministers in the cabinet such as the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate; and his Foreign Affairs counterpart are working on the formula that the Presidency should go to the North East.”

Continuing, the source maintained that “the recent onslaught by El-Rufai to paint President Tinubu in a bad light in the North has been countered by the people working for him (Tinubu)while the President has also strengthened his supporters with appointments and projects.”

He stressed that some of the President’s supporters in the North West states, including El-Rufai’s successor, who is the sitting governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and a former Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, as well as Matawalle, were countering the moves.

“Besides, President Tinubu has allocated some projects to Kaduna South by giving them a university, while he also appointed Masari as the Chairman of TETfund. He was also the only presidential candidate who visited Birni Gwari during the campaign for the 2023 elections in spite of the insecurity in the area and made some promises to them.

“The Presidency is also working to weaken the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammed, who has disappointed some people who sponsored his election.

“You know that the sitting Bauchi governor is the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Wike is the sponsor of the Peoples Democratic Party, but he has fallen out with Wike.

“That is where Wike and all other supporters have a very good job to play, weakening Bala Muhammed and all his plans.

“The APC has pencilled down two serving ministers, Ali Pate and the Foreign Affairs Minister to contest the governorship seat in Bauchi, which is in the North East,” the source stated.

Speaking in a similar vein, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said those speaking against President Tinubu were blackmailers.

The minister, in an interview with Sunday TheNigerian through his personal assistant, Yusuf Garba, said political appointees of the president were using persuasive means to gather support and influence his re-election in 2027.

He said, “Most of the so-called northern elites campaigning against the President are not mandated or appointed to talk on behalf of the northern region and its elders or leaders.

“President Bola Tinubu has given the North a sense of belonging in his administration by appointing individuals into key offices. The North has no alternative but to support his reelection bid.”

Tinubu’s ministers not under influence – APC secretary

Meanwhile, the APC Publicity Secretary for North-West, Musa Mada, argued that the recent replies to El-Rufai, Governor Mohammed, and other critics from northern ministers were not influenced by the Presidency.

In an interview with Sunday TheNigerian, Mada said the appointees were acting on their own because they deemed it necessary to put things in proper perspectives.

He said, “It’s something that comes with time. It’s a spontaneous and momentous event. When something happens, ordinarily one would be obliged to set the record straight. Before, there were no issues like this that made them speak. Now that there are issues, there is a need for some of us to clarify the entire scenario and set the record straight.

“In case of those people making noise about Asiwaju’s administration, especially with regard to sectionalism, trying to make Tinubu’s government look like an administration that is for a section of the country. They are highly insincere people.

“Take someone like Bala Mohammed for example. Go to his state and see the maladministration there, especially when it comes to the resources of Bauchi. We have records of the unprintable things he is doing with their resources. You will agree with me that from independence to today, there was no time when governors had it so good as now.

“When it comes to defending their interests, they will unite themselves. No matter how the masses cry, they will not even consider them. One  such instance is subsidy removal. Did you hear a complaint from any governor? Even before this administration, it was governors that were pushing the federal government to remove the subsidy and share the money with them.”

The APC spokesman also dragged El-Rufai, whom he labelled a hypocrite for attempting to disparage the President because he was neither appointed his vice president nor minister.

Ministers just doing their jobs — Presidency

On its part, the Presidency said it did not force any of the northern ministers to speak for Tinubu as those doing so were only doing their work.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, stated, “Those ministers are doing their jobs. Nobody asked them to respond. They are simply doing their jobs. When you find a lot of people just talking as they like, somebody needs to react to them and tell them that what they are saying is not the truth.

“Being in government, they need to speak for the government. It is not just for the Minister of Information. Whether a minister is from the North, South or the East, they need to speak.”

• Additional reports: Chima Azubuike, Ahmad Gakana, Israel Bulus, Hussaini Ibrahim, Tyopuusu Justin and John Charles.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted delayed onset of rainfall in northern and central states for the 2025 raining season.

The delayed onset of rainfall was predicted in northern and central states of Plateau as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara.

NiMet also said while early onset is expected over the southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi, the rest of the country was predicted to have a normal onset.

Speaking at the annual seasonal climate prediction, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, said as with previous years, there are pre-onset rainfall activities that should not be confused with the actual onset of the rainy season.

He further stated that the NiMet prediction also showed that “earlier than long-term average end-of-rainy season is predicted over parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states. A delayed end of season is expected over parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu states.

“The predicted length of rainy season in 2025 is expected to be mostly normal across the country. However, Borno and parts of Yobe states could experience shorter than normal length of season. Lagos, and Nasarawa states are likely to have longer than normal length of seasons in 2025.”

The NiMet prediction also showed that “during the April-May-June (AMJ) season, there is a likelihood of a severe dry spell of above 15 days after the establishment of rainfall in Oyo state; Moderate dry spell that may last up to 15 days is likely to occur in Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states in the south. However, for the northern states, a severe dry spell that may last up to 21 days is predicted for the June-July-August (JJA) season of 2025.

“The Little Dry Season (LDS), also known as ‘August Break’ is predicted to begin by late July and would be severe only in parts of Lagos and Ogun states. The number of days with little or no rainfall will range between 27 to 40 days.”

While speaking at the event, the director general/CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, said as with all weather and climate predictions, the seasonal climate prediction (SCP), aside being perishable also requires actors who will uptake the information, utilise it, and provide feedback for evaluation and improvement of the document.

He further said one of the key factors to a successful early warning initiative such as the NiMet SCP is collaborations at all levels of governance.

While speaking at the event, the director general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, said it is on record that weather and climatic elements impact heavily and play a vital role in all forms of human activities and across socio-economic sectors.

“I am glad to say that hydro-meteorological information from NIMET has continued to play a vital role in disaster preparedness, response and mitigation plans of the National Emergency Management Agency.

“The NIMET SCP has over the years become a veritable tool that enables NEMA to conduct expert analysis of disaster risk implications and produce disaster early warning messages for delivery to emergency responders to support the protection of lives, critical national assets and the entire cultural landscape in Nigeria,” she added.

The chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 82, after a protracted illness.

In a condolence message on behalf of the 19 northern State governors, Governor Yahaya described the late General JT Useni as a committed patriot, a seasoned military officer, and an exemplary statesman who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.

Former FCT Minister, General JT Useni, Dies At 82

He noted the former Minister’s remarkable role in the development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and his steadfast commitment to national unity and progress when he served as a Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, stating that his contributions would remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

“Lt. General Useni was a highly respected leader whose remarkable service in both military and civil capacities left a significant impact on Nigeria’s governance and development. His wealth of experience, wisdom, and commitment to national unity will be sorely missed,” Governor Yahaya remarked.

The NSGF chairman extended his condolences to Governor Caleb Muftwang, the government and people of Plateau State, where the late General hailed from, as well as his family and associates, urging them to take solace in his exemplary life and enduring legacies of patriotism and service.

“On behalf of the Northern Governors’ Forum, I offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, our dear brother, Governor Caleb Muftwang, the good people of Plateau State, and indeed the entire nation. We pray Almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he added.

In a move to address the farmer-herder conflict and also boost food production, several northern states have adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan popularly known as the Rural Grazing Area initiative.

So far, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Bauchi, Nasarawa and others have mapped out large swathes of land for the RUGA take-off.

The programme is expected to complement the Federal Government’s livestock production plans undergirded by the newly created Ministry of Livestock by the Bola Tinubu administration.

While Borno State has settled 461 herder families under its RUGA initiative, Plateau and Benue, however, ruled out involvement in the scheme.

The Borno government inaugurated the Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement in Mafa LGA of the state designed to enhance livestock farming through the provision of infrastructure, improved grazing conditions, animal health services, and modern ranching practices.

The settlement is equipped with veterinary clinics, sustainable water supply systems, breeding centres, dairy and beef upgrading centres, and milk collection hubs.

To drive livestock production in Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni has established the Ministry of Livestock Development.

According to Dr. Musa Abba Kolere, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, the new ministry would boost livestock development in the state and region.

He said, “This will enhance the socioeconomic potential of the rearing community, promoting growth and development in the livestock subsector.  Yobe State is the highest producer of livestock in Nigeria, including cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry.

‘’The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development is expected to improve revenue generation in the state. Moreover, the ministry aims to provide equal rights to both farmers and herders, potentially resolving the lingering farmer-herder crises.’’

Kolere said Buni’s decision to establish cattle ranches would improve livestock breeds, and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders- a significant step towards maximizing the value chain in livestock development.

The permanent secretary said the establishment of the Jakusko-nazari cattle ranch is expected to address clashes between pastoralists and farmers while generating revenue for the state.

“This joint project, funded by the Yobe State government and supported by the Federal Government, will also open up opportunities for public-private partnerships,” he noted.

Toeing a similar path, the Zamfara state government explained that it started the construction of RUGA settlements in the three senatorial zones in the state.

The scheme was initiated by former Governor Bello Mattawalle.

The spokesperson for Governor Dauda Lawal,  Sulaiman Idris said the state was ready to establish RUGA settlements.

Idris said the governor had visited the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, where he said the state was ready to collaborate with the Federal Government on RUGA.

He said, “My governor was in Abuja last week where he paid a visit to the Minister for Livestock Development. The governor assured the minister that the state has land and is ready to establish RUGA for the benefit of the people of the state and the country in general.”

Also, the Bauchi State government affirmed its readiness to set up RUGA settlements which would be handled by the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Special Adviser to the Bauchi State Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, said, “It is the reason the Bauchi State governor established the ministry of livestock development equipped with professionals in the field. RUGA and the cattle ranching will all be taken care of by the ministry.”

He emphasised that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, is ever ready to complement the effort of the federal government on livestock development.

In Gombe, the Wawa Zange grazing reserve occupying about 146,000 hectares, has been earmarked for ranching in the state.

An official, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the grazing reserve will house six hospitals, six veterinary clinics, a milk collection centre, 16 boreholes and a modern abattoir in addition to the existing school for nomadic education.

However, the Benue and Plateau States may not be considering the RUGA scheme.

Instead, the Plateau government said it is working closely with the Federal Government to develop an agricultural policy that benefits all farming communities in the state.

In a phone interview on Monday, the Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Policy and Governance, Yiljap Abraham, emphasized that the state’s approach to agricultural development is inclusive and not targeted at any particular ethnic group.

“We are not implementing RUGA in Plateau State. Our focus is on creating an agricultural policy that benefits all farmers, regardless of their background,” Abraham explained.

He said the decision aligns with the state government’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and good governance, as outlined in the Plateau State Development Strategy.

“The government’s priority is to ensure that all citizens, including farmers, have access to resources and opportunities that promote their well-being and economic development,” he added.

The Benue State Commissioner for Information, Mathew Abo, said the RUGA has to be discussed by the State Executive Council first.

On its part, the Kogi State government said that a decision on the adoption of RUGA would be made by the Ministry of Livestock Development.

“We have to wait for the ministry to formally take off before we can ask if there would be a need for RUGA settlement in the state” said the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Ismail lsah.

He noted, “Kogi State has recently established the Ministry of Livestock Development and we have to wait to see what the full ramifications of the responsibilities of the ministry would be. For now, I have no comment on RUGA or no RUGA”

However, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah, said the ministry of livestock development has just been established and that agricultural policies are currently being developed, adding, “For now,  we have not established RUGA.”

The situation is different in Kebbi State where the government said the scheme would soon take off.

The governor’s spokesman,  Alhaji Ahmed Idris, stated,  “In fact, very soon, we are going to implement our own. Recently, the government entered an agreement with Indonesia as regards that programme.”

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State government said it has provided 22,000 hectares of land in the Awe Local Government Area of the state for the smooth take-off of the model ranching hub project under the National Livestock Transformation Plan.

Governor, Abdullahi Sule stated this during a recent visit to political and religious leaders in the area.

He explained that the state keyed into the initiative of the Federal Government to address the security problems associated with open grazing.

The governor also said that the programme would go a long way towards addressing the lingering crisis in Nasarawa and Benue States boundary.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Government not to relent but to ensure that the programme is inaugurated in all the states that have registered for the NLTP programme.

He further appealed to other states to do so in the overall interest of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the herders, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state, Bala Dabo, expressed gratitude to the state government for supporting the project.

He said that the initiative would greatly benefit his tribesmen and tackle the issue of insecurity which had been a burden to his people and other citizens of the country.

On his part, the state Coordinator of the NLTP, Dr. Abdullahi Musa, said the programme would enhance peace between farmers and herders.

“The aim of the NLTP is to ensure that both the farmers and herders take care of their animals, and farming in a way that the use of land is maximized. It is also to reduce the contact between farmers and herders,” he noted.

The  Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, Kwara State, Mr Soji Oyawoye, said the state is combining the ranch system with open grazing.

Speaking on Monday, the project coordinator disclosed that the government has started digging boreholes across the 16 council areas of the state to provide water for cattle.

“Kwara State is working on the adoption of combining the ranch system with the open grazing system. While the government is installing machines for feed preparation at the L-Press office where animal feeds will be prepared, it is also encouraging pastoral farmers by providing boreholes to supply water for the cows in the forest.

“The government has dug many boreholes in Fulani settlements in the local government areas including Asa, Moro, Ifelodun, Irepodun and other councils for the provision of water for the cattle in the forest.

‘’We are encouraging the Fulani to cluster their animals in specific locations to prevent animals from spoiling crops while grazing on the farms,” Oyawoye said.

Sources in Kano said the state government has invested in setting up RUGA settlements.

The project was said to have been inaugurated by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje who constituted a 13-member Rural Grazing Area Committee.

Infrastructure to be provided in the RUGA settlements include clinics, schools, water supply and markets, among others.

 The project will be jointly financed by the state government and the Islamic Development Bank.

A source said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may revive the committee given the importance of the RUGA project to the state and the herders.

The Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Waiya, could not be reached for an update on the project.