President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed former INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, as the co-chairman of the presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms. The committee, inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja, aims to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and create new opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.
Inauguration and Purpose
During the inauguration, President Tinubu emphasized the need for collective efforts from the committee members, who are drawn from both the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians. He stressed that the committee’s work transcends politics and is focused on national development.
“From here, I will appeal to everyone to remove every iota of partisan politics from this. I will assume the chairmanship of the committee as President and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair. This is not about politics; this is about opportunity. This is about our nation. While I may be absent, Jega will preside and continue to promote our objectives,’’ the president stated.
Acknowledgements and Future Plans
President Tinubu thanked Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for his efforts in assembling experienced and reputable experts to activate opportunities in the livestock sector. He also announced the creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development to further explore the potential in this area.
“When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts? With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings,” Tinubu stated.
Modernizing Livestock Farming
The president noted that traditional methods of livestock farming need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, including state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity. He emphasized the need for modern technology and legal support in the implementation of the reforms.
Tinubu highlighted the roles of key ministers in this process. The attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), will ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the reforms. Meanwhile, the minister of communication, innovation, and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, will provide support with automation.
“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. I said at the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it. Any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualization of our objectives, the Attorney-General is here, please give it a priority; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning is here; create a budget for it to grow, and the Minister of Finance is here as well to work out the money,’’ the president stated.
Call for Comprehensive Support
President Tinubu concluded by urging all stakeholders to support the comprehensive and collective reforms, emphasizing the importance of working together to achieve the committee’s objectives. The success of these reforms, he stated, will significantly contribute to national growth and prosperity in the livestock sector.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
