Oyo State government has solicited partnership with the new executive council of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to ensure peace and food security in the state.
The government also called on the association to collaborate with the Seyi Makinde’s administration to preach peace and harmonious coexistence among their members.
The state’s commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated this during the inauguration of the new executives of the Miyetti Allah saying the government’s doors remained open to the executives.
Olaleye said that the government needed the cooperation of all stakeholders on direct participation in farming and businesses.
Olaleye, represented by the chief veterinary medical officer, Control Post and Cattle Markets and deputy director, veterinary services, Dr Adeniran Mobolaji, lauded the governor for taking proactive steps to address herders-farmers’ clashes in the state.
He said the administration had also launched several initiatives to boost livestock production in the state.
Olaleye said the initiatives included free vaccination of large animals across the 33 local government areas of the state, free anthrax vaccination, administration of 250,000 doses of PPR vaccines for sheep and goats, among others.
“It is a great pleasure for me to be here today at the inauguration ceremony of the state executive members by the national headquarters of Miyetti Allah.
“I especially appreciate the ingenuity of our dear governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for bringing peace and harmony to the state, which is why all of us are gathered here peacefully,” he said.
Earlier, national president of MACBAN, Baba Usman Ngelzarma, lauded Governor Makinde’s tremendous and consistent support to herdsmen in Oyo State.
He urged the state government to replicate the Federal Ministry of Livestock at the state level and also appreciated host communities for their understanding so far.
