A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega has commended the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for building Nigeria’s first-of-its-kind cattle ranch.
Jega, who is also the Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee said that the ranch would strengthen Nigerias drive to attain food security.
The former INEC chairman who praised Borno State’s leadership in livestock development, cited the state’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development and its Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA) as critical institutions driving progress.
“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,” Jega said.
In his remarks, the Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum noted that the Ngarannam project spans four square kilometers and is designed to rehabilitate 461 nomadic families displaced by insurgency.
According to him, each family is entitled to housing, livestock, and humanitarian relief.
This is in addition to access to modern facilities such as schools, health clinics, dairy and beef centres, markets, and security outposts.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to restoring livelihoods, promoting economic empowerment, and ensuring sustainable development,” Zulum said.
On his part, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, lauded the project’s potential to address food security challenges and foster peace in the region.
Similarly, the Deputy Governor and overseeing Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Umar Kadafur, said that two additional ranching centers in Borno’s senatorial districts are nearing completion.
This online platform reports that the Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement was commissioned on Saturday in Mafa LGA with support from the federal government.