There are indications that otherwise hostile stakeholders in the food production chain will close
ranks and focus on their responsibility to the society, particularly in the southwest geo-political
zone of the country. This hope emanated from a recent reconciliation between herders and
farmers in the zone. The step is being taken to promote food security for the benefit of all
Nigerians, beginning from the zone. The historic meeting took place between Segun Dasaolu,
coordinator of Commodities Farmers Organisation in South-West and Othman Ngelzarma,
President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria at a summit held at the
International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State last weekend
Saturday, April 20, 2024. There they reached a compromise to end clashes between farmers
and herders in every nook and cranny of the southwest region.
Dasaolu, while speaking at the summit said, “The summit focuses on ensuring that the South-
West farmers return to the farm, and also to promote food security in the country. This summit
brings together farmers and herders across the six states in this region.”
Prior to the summit, reports of conflicts between farmers and herders were prevalent in the
zone, and tension had risen to the point that people had been tempted to take the law into their
hands. The summit provided the forum for people on both sides to air their concerns and look
for ways to put an end to the conflicts. Dasaolu said, “This is to allow them to proffer solutions to
challenges faced by both groups and the need for government to carry us along in providing
support, policy formulation, and assistance.”
There were cheers when he announced that “We have signed the peace pact to put a stop to
farmers/herders’ clashes. And the first step we are going to take is to identify who are genuine
herders in the South-West. We have also agreed together to collect or collate data in that
regard.”
Both sides recognized the importance of working together in peace, and that was itemized by
Ngelzarma the President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria. He said,
“Nothing works when there is no peace. So, we will work with farmers to promote food security
in Nigeria.” The gains of the summit went beyond the peace between farmers and genuine
herders as well as enhancing food production, it also raised the hope of stopping kidnapping.
Ngelzarma said, “We will also work in collaboration with them to fish out kidnappers in the
South-West zone in particular and Nigeria in general.”
