Why Gombe is supporting ranching – Governor Yahaya
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya on Thursday shed light into the reasons the government keyed into National Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government.
Wawa-zange grazing reserve is adjudged as one of the largest in the country with over 130 hectares land size and five hectares used for planting pastures.
Yahaya said it was in a bid to mitigate herder/farmer clashes, adding that it would in turn boost food sufficiency in the state, region and country.
According to him, it was geared towards increasing livestock production especially as it has overwhelming benefits to the people.
He made this disclosure during 2022 trans-boundary vaccination against animals organised in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
Yahya said, “To achieve this, Gombe State has keyed into the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) as well as Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development which are aimed at improving livestock production and curbing farmers / herders clashes.
“Also, we are committed to ensuring self-sufficiency and sustainable food security, stimulate exports of livestock and livestock products as well as create wealth and job opportunities.”
The governor urged local authorities, livestock production entities to support Government’s drive at making sure the animals are healthy for meat and milk production.
“I therefore appeal to all stakeholders to join hands with the various State Governments to ensure the success of this exercise. I call on the Local Governments, Traditional Rulers, Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Association, Gam Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Livestock owners and the general public to give the veterinary staff full cooperation and support to ensure the success of the exercise.
“It is my sincere hope that the exercise will galvanize our livestock farmers to rededicate themselves to the development of the livestock sub-sector thereby improving livestock production in Gombe State, the North East Zone and the nation as whole,” Yahaya added
