The Edo State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, has called for the profiling of cattle and their owners as part of efforts to address the farmers/ herders crisis in the state.
The state chairman of the association, Alhaji Bako Dogwo made the call in his goodwill message at the inaugural stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to raise awareness of its existence in the state.
Dogwo also added that he would be more than willing to provide more solutions as to what can be done to settle the dispute between farmers and herders.
“Now that this ministry has been created, I want to advise that all cattle and their owners should be profiled in Edo as a way of trying to find lasting solutions to the farmers and herders crisis.
“I will be more than willing to provide more solutions as to what can be done to settle the dispute between farmers and herders,”; he said.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for creating the ministry to settle the problems in the livestock value chain.
The AFAN chairman, who also commended the President for his agricultural policies, noted that Edo had benefitted from Federal Government’s agricultural interventions in the past.
On his part, Mr JollyIdelegbagbon, the state chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, called on the Minister of Livestock Development,Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to establish a directorate of poultry in the ministry to manage poultry-related issues.
Earlier, the state coordinator of the FederalMinistry of Livestock, Dr Samuel Owoicho, said the meeting was designed to create awareness of the transition of the Ministry of Livestock from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Owoicho said that the transition signified an important milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance the livestock sector in Nigeria.
He noted that the transition presented new opportunities for growth, development, and improved service delivery to livestock farmers in the state.
“Our new ministry is committed to supporting the livestock industry, enhancing food security, and improving the livelihoods of livestock farmers and stakeholders.
“Today, we will discuss the implications of this transition, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth,”; he added.
Owoicho called for collaboration with the stakeholders to harness the enormous potential of the livestock sector and contribute to the economic development of Edo State.
He equally commended the Minister of Livestock Development,Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for his support and commitment to ensuring the development of livestock in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr PeterOsagie, pledged the state government’s support and collaboration to ensure a road map for the take-off of the ministry.
