The Senate’s efforts to ensure that the Bill aiming to create ranches at the states of herders passed the second reading have been praised by the Youth Wing of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
During an interactive session with newsmen in Awka on Friday, Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the Acting National Youth Leader of the leading Igbo socio-cultural group, expressed his appreciation.
Sen. Titus Zam (APC-Benue North-West Senatorial District) was the bill’s sponsor.
On Wednesday, it made it through the second reading.
A Bill to Establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches Throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024″ is the title of the proposed legislation.
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According to Okpalaezeukwu, the bill would act as a preventive measure against the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders who live on the move.
The reoccurring crises he described as farmer-herder fights had killed lives, destroyed property, and negatively impacted the nation’s economy.
He said ranches will be established to handle and manage the needless and never-ending disaster.
“Protecting the lives and property of its residents is the fundamental duty of any government, and unrestricted grazing undermines this goal.
“The raising of cattle is no longer a phenomenon specific to any one ethnicity; rather, it is a question of national security and should not be taken lightly.
There are numerous nations that raise more cattle and engage in various dairy industries than Nigeria, but they avoid experiencing this kind of issue because they do not use open grazing.
“In this crucial moment, we implore Nigerians to contemplate ranching as a feasible alternative,” stated Okpalaezeukwu.
