Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said the only solution to the frequent clashes between farmers and herders is proper cattle ranching. He explained that the old method of open grazing is no longer practiced anywhere in the world.
The governor stressed the need to educate Fulani herdsmen about the benefits of ranching. He said this would improve livestock production and also reduce insecurity in different parts of the country.
He made this point when he welcomed representatives of several Fulani groups under the Madako Foundation for Conflict Resolution and Empowerment, who visited him at the government house in Minna.
Governor Bago described ranching as the best and most modern way of livestock management. He said if the Fulani people adopt it, they would also earn more money through value chain production.
He praised the Fulani as hardworking people but regretted that a few criminal elements are spoiling their good name.
The governor noted that the state government is already identifying those involved in criminal activities. He said herders who destroy people’s farms are usually warned to stop such practices.
Bago also encouraged Fulani families to send their children to school. He commended Hauwa Ibrahim Madako, the Chief Executive Officer of Madako Foundation, for her initiative to create opportunities for Fulani children to return to school.
In his remarks, Dr. Abubakar Umar Girei, who represented the Lamido of Adamawa, thanked the governor for his love and support for the Fulani people. He said the governor has always carried them along in state affairs.
He further appreciated the governor’s support for Madako Foundation, saying the Fulani are proud of him and ready to support his progressive ideas. He added that Fulani leaders will work with the Niger State government to identify criminals and ensure peace in the state and beyond.
Earlier, Hauwa Ibrahim Madako explained that she founded the Madako Foundation after caring for a child with a neurological disorder. She said the foundation helps families with special needs children, supports school dropouts, resolves conflicts, and empowers people. So far, more than 2,000 children across Nigeria have benefited from its work.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Taraba State, Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi, praised the governor for his concern for the Fulani community. He said Governor Bago has always shown kindness, even before becoming governor, when he served as a federal lawmaker.
