Ogun govt reaffirms commitment to strengthening security for farmers, herders, livestock producers

The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening security for farmers, herders, and livestock producers as part of efforts to safeguard food production and rural stability.

The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Bolu Owotomo, during a stakeholders’ meeting convened to address rising concerns over farmer–herder conflicts and cattle rustling across the state held at the Department of Veterinary Services, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta.

The commissioner described the situation as a growing threat to agricultural productivity, community peace, and the livelihoods of thousands of citizens, stressing that the state could no longer afford to ignore these challenges, as both crop and livestock farming remain vital contributors to food security, job creation, and industrial growth in Ogun State.

Owotomo highlighted the establishment of the Farmers–Herders Conflict Resolution Committee as one of the government’s major interventions to promote peace between the two groups, emphasising that the committee has been instrumental in handling disputes swiftly, verifying losses, sensitising communities, gathering data, and rebuilding trust among stakeholders.

He added that plans are underway to decentralise the committee’s activities to local governments and communities for greater efficiency.

He said with the dry season approaching—a period often associated with increased tensions over grazing routes and water access—Ogun State remains committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and ensuring that neither farmers nor herders suffer insecurity or deprivation.

He urged participants at the meeting to engage sincerely, share their experiences, and propose sustainable strategies to prevent conflicts, noting that meaningful contributions from all sides were essential to building a more secure and productive agricultural environment.

Also speaking, the Director Veterinary Services, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, said the meeting brought together key actors- including trade unions, professional bodies, security agencies and academia to discuss issues affecting food production, livestock management in order to prevent and resolve conflicts, improve communication and build trust among farmers and herders.

In their separate remarks, Chairman of the Farmers-Herders Conflict Resolution Committee, Prince Segun Dasaolu,Seriki Fulani of Abeokuta, Mohammed Labar; and the chairman, Cassava Growers Association, Ogun State Chapter , Agbeloba Oladele Awoleri, agreed that all hands must be on deck to achieve and sustain the committee’s objectives.