Ebonyi govt to create ranches for local herders in LGAs

The Ebonyi State Government has said that it would established ranches for the local herders  in the 13 local government areas of the state.

Barr. Cletus Ofoke, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice disclosed this on Saturday in Abakaliki after a security meeting with the stakeholders in the state.

It reports that some of the stakeholders are: state committee on herdsmen/farmers' matters, members of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association on Nigeria (MACBAN), members Ebonyi Local Government Advisory Committee among others.

Others are the 13 local government Chairmen, Technical Assistants and Supervisors on herdsmen/farmers' matters.

Ofoke said according to the state Governor, David Umahi that the establishment of the ranches was part of the efforts to improve economy as well as improving agriculture from the grassroots.

"Yes, the state Governor has mandated the establishment of ranches for our local cows. You know our local breed/cows are already going extension. We want our people to breed our cows the same way, the herders are doing it.

"When we breed, we sell and make money from there, he stated.

On the Security meeting, the Attorney-General said it was based on the newly appointment by the Governor, David Umahi and the Committee constituted to mediate between the herdsmen and farmers matter in the state.

"The Governor have made appointees, including the herders in all the 13 local government areas of the state. Technical Assistants and Supervisors on herdsmen/farmers' matters.

"The meeting is very significant and it was to familiarise with the new appointees and the state committee on herdsmen/farmers' matters," Ofoke stated. 

Alhaji Gidado Sadiq, Chairman of the Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association on Nigeria (MACBAN), in the South East zone, commended Governor Umahi for appointing some of his members as Aide.

"I urge my people to law adiding and tolerance and that is the first thing to do. Always be tolerance and always report to us,  who are their leaders on any matter before acting," Sadiq advised.