Lanre Omotoso
The pioneer Minister of Livestocks Development, Alhaji Idi Muktar Maiha has been enjoined to adopt policies that will enable more investors into the sector to increase the country’s revenue.
A lecturer from the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Dr Anthony Ekeocha gave the advice while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti on agenda setting for the first Minister of Livestock Development.
Dr. Ekeocha emphasized that bye-products from livestocks such as beef, milk, cheese and eggs could be exported to increase the country’s GDP.
The Don noted that the new Minister should put measures in place for creation of ranches, where animals would be allowed for grazing with token amount.
He emphasized that developed countries have gone beyond farmers/herders clashes with creation of paddock for animal grazing.
Dr. Ekeocha said one of the countries in Africa, Botswana with just two million population depend solely on livestock farming for income generation.
He said the country built all its universities from proceeds generated from livestock farming, noting that the diversification from oil, with creation of the new ministry would help Nigeria to generate more income if properly harnessed.
The Lecturer advised the new minister to help import high breed cattles to cross breed the local ones that could withstand the tropical climate of Nigeria in order to give favourable results.
Dr Ekeocha described appointment of substantial minister for Livestock Ministry by President Bola Tinubu as a right step in the right direction that would curb herders/farmers clashes in the country.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Alhaji Idi Muktar Maiha as first Minister of Livestock Development after formation of the ministry recently, and the appointment had been confirmed by the Senate.
