The federal government has announced plans to end the open grazing of cattle in the city of Abuja and move such cattle to specific areas designated for grazing.
The initiative aims to address concerns about the presence of livestock in urban areas and to promote peace between farmers and herders.
Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha, disclosed this information during a media retreat in Kaduna on Tuesday.
He indicated that in the coming weeks, the government will launch a national campaign focused on fostering peaceful relations between farmers, herders, and local communities.
“We need to prioritize peace in our country,” Maiha stated.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation from state governments to maintain peace in rural areas, which is essential for food security and stability in the nation.
The minister also highlighted the ongoing violence affecting security forces and the need to combat this through better engagement with security agencies.
He stated that his vision is for Nigeria to be known for its agricultural productivity, like plentiful milk supplies instead of military presence.
Maiha pointed out that the livestock sector plays a vital role in creating jobs and ensuring food security, revealing that over the next five years, the ministry plans to implement policies and programs that will support this sector.
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During the retreat, he encouraged media professionals to use their platforms to enhance public understanding of these initiatives and the livestock sector as a whole.
He acknowledged the crucial role of the media in shaping how these issues are perceived by the public.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, reiterated the importance of the media in communicating government actions effectively.
She emphasized that good communication helps build trust and encourages positive actions among the public.
“This retreat is designed to help you improve your reporting on the livestock sector and strengthen our partnership,” she said.
The goal is to work together to tackle the challenges in the sector and explore new opportunities for growth.
