By Umar Bayo Abdulwahab
Ilorin
Kwara state government yesterday said it had approved the sum of N220 million for the creation of grazing reserves and stock roots to end the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers.
One of the new grazing reserves would be created in each of the three senatorial districts, while nine stock roots would be spread across the areas.
Briefing journalists at the end of the state executive council meeting in Ilorin, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barrister Anthony Towoju, said the grazing reserves would also be equipped with veterinary clinics amongst other livestock services that would be provided.
He said the reserves would be created in Alapa, Asa local government area to severe Kwara central, while that of the North would be created at Lata, Patigi local government area with the one for Kwara south to be created at Babaloma in Ifelodun local government area.
The new stock roots, the commissioner added will cover communities in New Bussa to Woru -Oyo state boundary, Yashikira-Yisya-Benin Republic boundary, Ilorin -Ganmo -Osun state boundary, amongst others.
The commissioner, who expressed the hope that the measure would end the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen, said
Kwara state was the first to create grazing reserves after governors had agreed in a meeting with the federal government to do so.
Also the Commissioners for Information and Communication, Prince Tunji Moronfoye, said government had set up a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira, to review it policy on early childhood education with a view to encouraging people with higher qualifications, including doctorate degrees to teach in primary schools.
He said under the proposed programme, government would offer automatic employment to holders of National Certificate of Education (NCE), in early childhood education to ensure that those who teach at the foundation level impart the needed skills in pupils.