The Borno state government on Saturday inaugurated the Ngarannam livestock estate, built in collaboration with the Federal Government to boost food and nutrition security.
The first livestock improvement estate was inaugurated by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha in Mafa Local Government Area of the state.
The settlement was expected to accommodate 461 households selected from 18 communities affected by insurgency in the state.
Maiha said that the project was initiated to modernise livestock production, improve food security, address farmers/herders conflicts, and restore livelihoods in the affected communities.
He commended the state government for its significant role in the initiative which he described as a model for sustainable livestock development in the country.
“The commissioning of this settlement underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector into a vibrant, productive, and sustainable industry.
“This project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the vision of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to enhance productivity and sedentarise pastoralists.
“The Ngarannam settlement will provide a sustainable and climate-smart environment for livestock production, address farmers/herders clashes, and support the value chain for livestock and dairy products,” the minister said.
Maiha explained that the facilities available at the ranch, including veterinary clinics, dairy and beef upgrading centres, and milk collection hubs, were designed to meet international standards for meat and dairy production.
He called on beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their effective use.
The minister urged other states to emulate Borno’s approach, noting that the federal government would continue to support state governments in enhancing the livestock sub- sector.
Earlier, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said that the project was a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to revitalising rural livelihoods and mitigating the challenges posed by insurgency and displacement.
“This project reflects our vision to rebuild and transform Borno.
“It aligns with the Borno State 25 Year Development Plan and our 10-Pact Agenda.
“Beyond infrastructure, it represents hope, resilience, and progress for our people,” Zulum said.
The governor said that his administration had set the state-of-the-art facilities in the Ngarannam settlement, including housing estates, schools, health clinics, veterinary services, and pasture development centres for smooth operation.
“The ranch also features milk collection hubs, markets, and security outposts to foster economic growth and ensure safety,” he said.
Zulum announced that each of the 461 households from 18 communities displaced by insurgency in the Ngarannam area would receive humanitarian relief packages and livestock, including pairs of bulls, heifers, and goats, as part of efforts to restore livelihoods.
The Deputy Governor of Borno, Dr Umar Kadafur, who is also supervising Commissioner, in the state’s Ministry of Livestock Development, said that the initiative was part of broader efforts to enhance food security and reduce rural-urban migration.
He urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their sustainability.
“The Ngarannam ranch is equipped with over 27 essential facilities, including a breeding centre, earth dams, and solar-powered boreholes for irrigation and livestock needs,” he said.
Kadafur also announced that a 200-hectares of rain-fed pasture had been cultivated to support year-round grasing.
The guest speaker, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and also Co-Chairman, Presidential Committee on Implementing Livestock Reforms, lauded Zulum administration’s commitment to driving economic growth, improving livelihoods, and providing employment.
NAN
