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…Calls for sensitization of Fulani Herdsmen
From John Adams Minna
Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has said that the only antidote to farmers/herders clash in the country is proper ranching of cattle and other animals, saying that the traditional grazing is no longer obtainable anywhere in the world.
To achieve this however, the governor stressed the need for a proper and sustained sensitization of the Fulani Herdsmen in order for them to embrace cattle ranching for improved livestock and to reduce insecurity in parts of the country.
The Governor stated this when he received the representatives of different Fulani groups under the auspices of the Madako Foundation for conflict resolution and empowerment who were in government house in Minna to pay a courtesy visit.
Governor Bago described ranching as the best, acceptable and most improved platform for livestock all over the world, and therefore there is the need for the Fulanis to embrace it as it will equally generate more income for them through value chain production.
He described Fulanis as hardworking people but regretted the few criminal elements who are out to tarnished the good image of the fulanis in the country.
He then acknowledged the efforts of the State Government in identifying the bad ones that have continued to engage in nefarious activities across the state, adding that those who invade people’s farms are usually cautioned against such practices.
Governor Bago nonetheless, encouraged the fulanis to ensure the enrolment of their children into schools even as he applauded the efforts of the CEO of Madako Foundation for her good initiative of creating avenues for Fulani children to go back to school.
Dr. Abubakar Umar Girei who represented the Lamido of Adamawa in his remarks, commended the Governor for his unending love and support to the fulanis noting that, he (governor) has carried them along in the scheme of things in the state.
He also appreciated the governor for the support he has been giving to Madako Foundation in helping it improve the lives of Fulanis in the State.
He said, the whole Fulani race is proud to associate with the governor and are ready to key into his progressive ideas, adding that “Fulani leaders will cooperate with government of Niger State to fish out criminals to ensure peace in Niger State and beyond”.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Madako Foundation for Conflict Resolution and Empowerment, Hauwa Ibrahim Madako explained that the foundation was established following her experience with a child who had a neurological disorder, adding that the aim of the foundation is to support families with special needs children, enrollment of school dropouts, conflict resolution and empowerment.
She disclosed that over 2,000 children across the country have so far benefitted from the foundation since it establishment.
Also in his remarks, the Taraba State All Progressives Congress Chairman, IbrahimTukur El-Sudi who was among the delegation, commended the Governor for his support and concern for the Fulanis and his passion for empowering the Fulani people in his administration, pointing out that, the Governor has been known for his kind gesture right from when he was a federal legislator.
