The Borno state government in collaboration with the Federal Government has commissioned Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Range Settlement community, popularly known as Rural Grazing Area (RUGA). The objective is to address the problem of farmer-harder clashes and boost the economy of the state,
In his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of Borno and the overseeing Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dr Umar Kadafur, said that Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement in Mafa LGA is one of the three established by the Babagama Zulum administration, one in each senatorial district of the state. The Deputy Governor said while that of Ngarannam is commissioned, the other two are also at 90% completion stage.
The Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, commended the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for establishing a cattle ranch that is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
He said,“I must say that I witnessed something I had never seen in our country today. We have seen today the vision of a leader, the passion and commitment to what clearly will help drive economic growth, uplift the lives and livelihood of people and provide employment to our citizens.
“It is highly commendable and encouraging that Borno State has shown leadership and commitment to livestock development based on what we have seen at today’s event,”.
Not only that, Professor Jega said, “It is gratifying that the state is ahead with the launching of the Annual Animal Vaccination Scheme and distribution of livestock for livelihood restoration and economic empowerment of the citizens. It is commendable that the state has both the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development and Borno State Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA).”
In his remarks, Governor Zulum said that Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement is a 4-square km project built for 461 nomadic families from eighteen communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency. “In addition to a house, each of the 461 families received pairs of bulls and heifers, goats, and a humanitarian relief package consisting of essential food and non-food items the project has facilities that include a housing estate with road networks, schools, health clinics, veterinary services, and state-of-the-art dairy and beef upgrading centres. Other facilities are pasture development centres, milk collection centres, earth dams to secure water supply, markets to foster local trade, and security outposts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all,” Zulum said.
