Jigawa State Government had earmarked N3.3 billion for livestock development, including the establishment of three livestock centres, the importation of improved cattle breeds from India, and the cultivation of improved grass for animal feed.
This was disclosed by the chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Jigawa State, Malam Umar Kabiru Dubantu for which he commended Governor Umar Namadi in his efforts to promote peace, particularly between farmers and herders across the state.
Dubantu also said the state government had adopted various measures, including engaging traditional rulers and religious leaders, to promote peace and prevent conflicts, noting that the government had also strengthened its relationship with farmers and herders to ensure lasting peace.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at improving meat and milk production while creating sustainable livelihoods for herders. The government is also concerned about the migration of some Fulani livestock farmers to Niger, Chad and Cameroon in search of grazing opportunities.
Dubantu said the government had allocated 510 hectares each at Kumar Mikiya in Kiyawa Local Government Area, Shamakeri in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area, and Sankara in Ringim Local Government Area for livestock development. The improved grass, he said, would help cattle gain weight and increase milk production.
He added that the government would send 15 veterinary doctors to India for specialised training to enable them properly care for both imported and locally bred cattle.
The government also plans to establish markets within the livestock centres and support private investors to set up small-scale dairy processing businesses that will turn fresh milk into processed dairy products.
To strengthen security around the livestock centres, Dubantu said the government planned to provide security measures, including a trench around the facilities to prevent criminals from attacking the centres or stealing livestock.
He said the 15 veterinary doctors trained in India would, upon their return, help train other veterinary professionals in Jigawa so that the knowledge and skills acquired abroad could benefit more people.
Dubantu further praised Governor Namadi, describing him as a fair leader who does not use politics to influence justice. He said anyone who violates the law is held accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
He also expressed concern over attempts to associate Fulani people with terrorism, stressing that criminality has no ethnic identity. He said the Fulani community often suffers from negative media portrayal because it lacks sufficient platforms to present its side of the story.
