The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has praised Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for allocating 8,000 hectares of land for the establishment of modern cattle ranches in the state.
Maiha said the initiative would help curb farmer-herder clashes, strengthen security, boost livestock production and generate employment opportunities for residents.
The minister made the remarks on Thursday during a visit to the Governor’s Office in Akure, where he described the proposed ranching project as a significant step towards transforming livestock production and improving the sector’s economic potential.
He argued that the traditional system of moving cattle over long distances in search of pasture was no longer sustainable, noting that modern ranching would minimise the risks associated with open grazing and allow farmers to access their farmlands without fear of attacks.
According to him, the project would also encourage investments across the livestock value chain, particularly in meat processing, abattoirs, leather production and organic fertiliser manufacturing.
Maiha expressed concern that livestock consumed in the South-West were frequently transported from locations more than 120 kilometres away, describing the practice as economically unviable.
“Our hope is to stop transporting livestock from over 120 kilometres to the South-West, which is not a sustainable economic model or business model.
“It is good to have ranches here in Ondo State to serve abattoirs, families, enhance food supply, and promote job and wealth creation,” he said.
The minister identified poultry farming as the most commercially developed segment of livestock production in Ondo State, adding that the Federal Government was working to address challenges affecting the industry.
He listed access to vaccines, animal feed and processing facilities among the key areas receiving attention under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Maiha said improved government support for livestock farmers would enhance food security, attract investments and increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Responding, Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, said his administration had invested significantly in security to provide a safe environment for farmers and other residents.
The governor acknowledged the economic benefits of livestock farming but emphasised the need for modern and responsible animal husbandry practices that would not endanger residents or constitute a nuisance to host communities.
He explained that the concerns informed the decision to designate 8,000 hectares of land in Ondo State’s northern senatorial district for modern ranching, alongside improvements to the state’s security architecture.
Aiyedatiwa appreciated the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for its partnership with the state government and assured Maiha of his administration’s commitment to the initiative.
“We have invested so much in security. If not for the security architecture of the state, there are some areas where, by now, farmers would no longer be able to access their farms.
“Any project that will be beneficial to our people, our government is ready to play its part. We want to assure you of that,” he said.
[THE HOPE]
