National president, Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Othman Ngelzarma, has described the establishment of the Livestock Development Ministry as a dream come true.
Ngelzarma who stated that this was long-overdue, added, “We have been advocating for a ministry dedicated to livestock development for decades, and by the grace of God, President Bola Tinubu’s administration made it a reality. I was part of the reform committee that drafted the proposal.
“The livestock ministry is not just for cattle; it covers all livestock—sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, donkeys and even dogs. This ministry provides an opportunity to harness the potential of the livestock sector for the benefit of the nation. If well-managed, it can create employment, generate foreign revenue through exports and reduce the federal government’s spending on meat importation.”
The MACBAN president who spoke during the inauguration of the Plateau State chapter of MACBAN in Jos pointed out that Plateau and Kaduna elected their leaders through open and widely accepted elections unlike other states where leaders emerged through consensus, though in accordance with provisions of the association’s constitution.
According to him, conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria often time stem from resource-based struggles, but politics has introduced religious and ethnic narratives that further complicate the situation.
“Today, we are here to formally integrate the newly elected chapter in the state and give them the mandate to oversee the affairs of this association for the next four years, by the grace of God.
“Beyond inauguration, we use these gatherings to educate our members on critical issues. One of the key issues we address is the need to prevent animals from straying into farmlands and causing destruction. We do not condone such actions. Whenever we establish leadership in a state, we also extend a hand of fellowship to farmers’ associations and other non-state actors working to maintain peace and security.”
On relative peace being witnessed on the Plateau, Ngelzarma assured, “We are committed to doing whatever is necessary to sustain peace. Our goal is to strengthen communication and understanding among all groups, fostering unity and long-term stability.”
Yusuf Ibrahim Babayo, MACBAN chairman Plateau state chapter, promised to continue supporting government’s programmes and charged security personnel to always adhere to their rules of engagement.
