Kwara, FG partners to end farmers-herders clashes with $59m agro-processing initiative

In an effort to put an end to the perennial herders-farmers crisis in Kwara state, the state government has embraced the $59 million Federal Government-led agro-processing initiative.

Speaking at the 37th Media Parliament of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, stated that the agro-processing project would be funded by the Islamic Development Bank.

The Kwara governor’s aide also mentioned that the initiative aimed to eliminate the practice of herders moving from one community to another, which often resulted in clashes with farmers and local landholders.

“The agro-processing zone is planned for Lata in Patigi Local Government Area and funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The idea is to redesign and refocus the cattle business, with an emphasis on improving the living standards of the herders through the provision of basic necessities such as animal feeds, water, schools for their children, healthcare, modest dwelling, and all necessary facilities — all in one place.

“This will instantly increase cattle milk production, improve their health, and put an end to the practice of herders moving from one community to another with attendant clashes with farmers and local landholders.”

Ajakaye also mentioned that the state government was determined to complete the Osi and Ilesha Baruba satellite campuses of the Kwara State University (KWASU), which were conceived and started by the immediate past administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The Osi and Ilesha Baruba campuses of the Kwara State University are not just extensions of the school. This administration has chosen to complete them because these campuses will bring about rapid socioeconomic development in Kwara South and Kwara North.

“From less than 35% completion in 2019, Phase 1 of Osi campus is now more than 80% completed. Once these schools welcome students and lecturers, it will be one of the best strategies to drive economic and physical developments in the two axes. Jobs will be created, and properties will become more viable.

“Wherever a school exists, a whole gamut of ancillary economic activities also spring up. Private individuals will build hostels, people will sell things for the well-being of the new population, and a lot of service providers will migrate to the area. In all of these, the people benefit,” he said.

The governor’s aide also mentioned that one of the constraints of the state government is scarce resources, adding that the governor was eager to promote rapid growth and development in all three senatorial districts of the state. “Since everyone has equal rights to demand government attention, we can only manage the scarce resources.”

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