Miyetti Allah lauds Senate President’s commitment to addressing challenges of pastoralists
AREWA AGENDA – The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has commended the President of Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan for determination towards addressing the challenges confronting pastoralists in the country.
The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Usman-Ngelzarma, made the commendation in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Usman-Ngelzarma, who congratulated Lawan on his investiture as the” Champion of Peste Des Petit Ruminants ( PPR) in Nigeria, said the investiture was an indication of his resolve to support pastoralists in the country.
He said: ”While congratulating you for this recognition, it is our prayers that you shouldn’t be deterred nor be distracted in pursuing the right policies for the livestock sub-sector in the country.
” This recognition accorded you is an indication of your resolve to address the challenges confronting pastoralism in the country. It is indeed our collective recognition.”
He said that MACBAN noted with gratitude the encouragement of the Lawan’s speech which highlighted the total neglect of the livestock subsector in the country.
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Usman-Ngelzarma said: “We now find you to be the voice of the voiceless pastoralists in Nigeria who over the years have suffered countless losses without adequate compensation or support from the government or anywhere else.
” MACBAN has been crying for attention for years highlighting this neglect of the livestock sub-sector which is worth trillions of naira, contributing about 29 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP.
” And it had been in a coma as a result of the total neglect from the Federal and States Government.”
Usman-Ngelzarma said that MACBAN was now assured that the National Assembly under Lawan watch would look into the lack of support that pastoralists had hitherto faced.
” Especially, the poor budgeting that has stunted the livestock sector from growth and working effectively.
” In the last eight years, over 10,000 pastoralists were killed and over two million families displaced as a result of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and general insecurity in the country.
” The continuing alleged violence against pastoralists in some states is not only condemnable but totally unacceptable.”
He, therefore, urged the security agencies in the country to take drastic measures against alleged acts of wanton killings by members of the vigilance groups and other ethnic militias against pastoralists.
” With a projected population of about 16 million registered voters, pastoralists are a voice to be reckoned with in deciding who leads this great country for the betterment of all,” Usman-Ngelzarma, added. (NAN)
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