Former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and co-chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, weekend, commended Borno state governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, for establishing a cattle ranch that is first of its kind in Nigeria.
Professor Jega gave the commendation in Mafa LGA at the commissioning of Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement constructed by Zulum’s administration, with the support of the federal government.
“I must say that I witnessed something I had never seen in our country today. We have seen today the vision of a leader, the passion and commitment to what clearly will help drive economic growth, uplift the lives and livelihood of people and provide employment to our citizens.
“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.
“It is gratifying that the state is ahead with the launching of the Annual Animal Vaccination Scheme and distribution of livestock for livelihood restoration and economic empowerment of the citizens.
“It is commendable that the state has both the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development and Borno State Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA),” Jega said.
Delivering his address, Governor Zulum noted that Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement is a 4-square km project built for 461 nomadic families from eighteen communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency.
He said, “In addition to a house, each of the 461 families received pairs of bulls and heifers, goats, and a humanitarian relief package consisting of essential food and non-food items.
“The project has facilities that include a housing estate with road networks, schools, health clinics, veterinary services, and state-of-the-art dairy and beef upgrading centres.
“Other facilities are pasture development centres, milk collection centres, earth dams to secure water supply, markets to foster local trade, and security outposts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all,”
