Northern state governors on Thursday adopted National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) as panacea to farmers-herders clashes, kidnapping and banditry, and as vehicle for economic boost through improved livestock production and allied industry.
Speaking in a communique issued at the end of its emergency meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong, said the Forum has noted the disparity between the NLT plan and Ruga, even as the Forum will continue to address insecurity using all available means and resources to ensure economic and social development.
“The Forum adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan which lays out clear path for modernising pastoral activities. It further encouraged other states not included as pilot states to endevour to join the plan/ programme. The Forum was well informed about the National Livestock Transformation Plan and its disparities with the Ruga plan.
“It is expected that the plan would ensure resettling and addressing the dislocated populations in the key conflict zones to enable them become part of the agricultural modernisation process. It would provide a mechanism for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation in the affected communities towards a harmonious mutually beneficial future,” Lalong said.
Speaking on the spate of kidnapping, banditry and general insecurity challenging the region, Lalong said, “the current challenges of insecurity which seems to be persisting despite concerted efforts by all tiers of government was also deliberated based on insightful analyses and the best possible ways to address the menace which is currently bedeviling the region.
“The Forum resolved to continue to adopt a sustainable and holistic approach towards tackling this challenge in the region. It is the Forum’s unwavering determination to rescue the region and reposition it to meet the yearnings and aspirations of our people, especially in the areas of security, economic and social development.”
The Forum, while lamenting that the vulnerability and exploitation of the almajiri system made the millions of destitute children susceptible to criminal activities, said that the scourge is now pandemic.
“The Forum after in-depth discussions, resolved to collaborate further with experts in this field with a view to finding implementable recommendations to solve the almajiri phenomenon and take children out of the streets.”
