The Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to exploring every opportunity to unlock the abundant potentials that exists in the livestock sector towards sustainable economic growth. Geidam made this assertion recently when he received a delegation from the American West African Agro Limited.
According to Geidam, the livestock sector holds a huge potential of contributing immensely to economic growth if every measure is put in place. He revealed that the FCT Administration under the leadership of Honourable Minister of FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike and Honourable Minister of State FCT Dr. Mariya Mahmoud have livestock development as part of its priorities. In his words
” I am sure you are aware of the interest the present Administration is giving the sector which is meant not only to reposition the sector to greater economic gains but improved security ocassioned by the violent clashes between farmers and herders over grazing lands”
Geidam expressed the readiness of the Administration to engage and partner with well-meaning organisations to harness the opportunities that abound in the livestock sector. He disclosed also that the Administration is working hard to put in place the necessary infrastructure required for the full take off of the 4 grazing reserves in the FCT.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Jerry Cummingham, said his organization was encouraged by the recent remarks made by the Honourable Minister FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike regarding plans to revitalize the livestock sector. He highlighted that the American West African Agro Limited had come to demonstrate its interest in assisting the FCT Administration to put in place modern and efficient ranching techniques and an advanced meat haulage system that aligns with the esteemed status of the FCT.
On his part, Engineer Ali Ibrahim, the Nigerian representative in the organization, emphasized the significance of investing in modern ranching. He stressed that such investments would contribute to achieving the much-needed peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and the host communities of the FCT.
“By adopting modern ranching practices, the FCT can mitigate conflicts and foster harmonious relationships among stakeholders, ensuring the well-being of both pastoralists and the local communities” Ibrahim said.