Features
Tackling Borno’s Security Challenges Through Farming
Twenty three- year-old Modu Mustapha was until the eruption of violence in Borno, a GSM recharge card dealer in Dalla area of Maiduguri metropolis.
A primary school dropout at the age of 10 when he lost his father, Mustapha initially chose to be a commercial motorcyclist until he realised in 2007 that that job was too crushing for him.
The business thrived and he became the breadwinner of his entire family, until the Borno crisis exploded and his shop and that of others were destroyed by a devastating blast. He resorted to touting at the motor park.
“What I do is to assist taxi and bus drivers load passengers at the Customs Park, at the end of which each driver pays a token for my service.
“This is the situation we face daily. If only one could get a better job, even if it is on the farm .I think it is better than the touting job,” he had once said.
Mustapha is just one out of many youths who have been struggling to live a dignified life, having been displaced by the worrisome security situation in Borno.
The state government having taken a critical look at the problem of insecurity, concluded that the root cause is unemployment and pervasive poverty. So the governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima decided to tackle the problem resolutely.
The government identified an integrated farm project in Porto Novo, Benin Republic, the Songhai Integrated Farm, for replication in Borno.
“Our visit to the farm has been quite enlightening. It has really opened our eyes on the vast potential in Africa, I want to assure that we will initiate formal arrangements to open channels of communication for a partnership,” says the governor.
He has promised to send 500 unemployed youths to train on integrated farming, to stem the tide of restiveness and unemployment.
“We intend to cultivate about 20 hectares at the Chad Basin through the programme. We want to use the Songhai platform to create jobs for our teeming youths.”
Shettima says his deputy, Alhaji Zanna Mustapha will lead another delegation, including officials of the Chad Basin Development Authorities (CBDA) to conclude arrangements for the partnership.
“We want to involve them so that we can address all areas of potential conflict in the proposed partnership with Songhai Farm.”
“Our target is to build a Songhai farm model in Borno, to provide employment for our youths and to boost the economy through the establishment of industries that are the components of the model.
“We are facing serious challenges at home and we feel that adopting the Songhai integrated farm model will help greatly in solving our problems.
Mr Godfrey Izamojo, the Director of Songhai Regional Operations, describes the model as ‘African’ in concept, to make the youth self-sufficient.
“Songhai farm is a project about a new African society where Africans are empowered to be on the driver’s seat to solve their problems instead of looking elsewhere.
“The concept of Songhai integrated farms takes care of everything, right from the farm to the factory. All aspects are taken care of as there will be no wastage.
“We believe we can harness the resources given to us by nature, to create wealth and take care of our unemployment and poverty problems.”
He says due to the immense benefits of the system, other states such as Enugu, Cross River, Benue, Katsina, Ogun and Lagos, have begun a similar partnership with the farm.
Alhaji Usman Zanna, Borno Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Usman Zanna corroborates the statement.
“Already, we have put in place structures to turn around the agriculture sector. Songhai model will therefore be an added advantage.
“The governor has ordered the purchase of all the improved seed varieties produced by Lake Chad Research Institutes (LCRI) in Maiduguri .
“He has also directed that we should buy additional improved seed varieties from other institutes for distribution to farmers, to boost agricultural production.”
Alhaji Yusuf Adamu, the Caretaker Chairman of Biu Local Government Council in the state, says the council looks forward to the take-off of the project.
“We are going to ensure synergy with the state government in making sure that we follow the footsteps of the governor for the system to work well.”
Some youths have also commended the idea, saying it will turn things around in the state.
“We have vast land in Borno waiting to be cultivated. I hope that government will be sincere in implementing the project,” Malam Ibrahim Sarki, a student of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri says.
Another student, Mr Simon Peter, of the same institution, however, doubts if the project will ever take off.
“We have heard of similar talks in the past but they always end up as government plans,” he says.
However, Alhaji Ahmed Jidda, the Secretary to Borno Government has given the assurance of early take-off of the project.
“This is not the only agricultural project the government is implementing to create jobs for our teeming youths. We have visited many other countries to seek partnership on how best we can harness our agricultural potential
“It is certainly going to be theory with practice.”
As the youth wait on the government to transform their lives as well as the state, observers say at a time like this, such a project is capable of diverting idle youths from prevailing vices in the state, as well as to empower them.
Inuwa writes for NAN.
Ali Baba Inuwa
Features
Farmers/Herders Clash: Livestock Ministry As Solution
The persistent clash between farmers and herders in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue. These conflicts, often, over resources like land and water, have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of large numbers of people, deep-seated mistrust between communities and insecurity. Herders, traditionally nomadic, move their livestock in search of grazing land and water. Farmers, on the other hand, require the same resources for their crops. This competition often leads to clashes, especially in areas where land is becoming increasingly scarce due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. As these clashes intensify, there has been a growing call for sustainable solutions. Two weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu took a bold step towards tackling the issue by inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The committee which has the president as the chairman and the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega as the deputy chairman has the mandate to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain as well as propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers, ensuring the security and economic well-being of Nigerians.The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development was part of the recommendations of the National Livestock Reforms Committee. Part of the 21 recommendations submitted to the president include: “This agenda should include the establishment and resuscitation of grazing reserves as suggested by many experts and well-meaning Nigerians and other methods of land utilisation.
“Create the Ministry of Livestock Resources in line with practice in many other West African countries. In the alternative, Federal and State Governments should expand the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production to address the broader needs of the industry,” among others. Experts in the agricultural sector have posited that the livestock industry can create millions of jobs directly in farming, processing, and distribution, and indirectly in related sectors like feed production, veterinary services, and marketing. It provides livelihoods for rural populations, helping to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in rural areas. It also increases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings through the exports of livestock and livestock products such as meat, dairy, wool and leather.
According to them, a well-funded livestock industry supports the growth of agro-processing sectors, such as meat packing, dairy processing, and leather manufacturing, adds value to raw products and creates additional economic activity as well as stimulates the development of supply chains, including logistics, packaging, and retail, contributing to broader economic growth. It enhances economic resilience by diversifying the agricultural sector and providing a buffer against crop failures or other agricultural shocks and many more. Some other agriculturists have also opined that the livestock industry in Nigeria is currently underdeveloped and that by the creation of the ministry of livestock development will open up the industry which will be a huge money spinner for Nigeria.
Reports have shown that a Livestock Ministry can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders by implementing policies and programmes aimed at fostering coexistence and sustainable resource management. The Ministry can work towards clearly demarcating grazing routes and farming areas. This would reduce instances of trespassing and accidental crop destruction, a common flashpoint for conflict. While introducing rotational grazing systems can ensure that land is used sustainably, preventing overgrazing and land degradation, establishing water points and boreholes specifically for livestock can reduce competition for water resources. Similarly, promoting the development of pasturelands through reseeding and controlled burns can improve grazing conditions.
According to a veterinary doctor, Dr Andrew Obadiah, by providing training for herders on sustainable livestock practices and for farmers on conflict resolution, both parties can understand the importance of coexistence. He said that extension services of the ministry can offer advice on improving livestock health and productivity, reducing the need for large herds and extensive grazing. “Setting up local committees involving both farmers and herders to mediate disputes can provide a platform for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Encouraging community-based conflict early warning systems can help prevent clashes before they escalate”, he emphasised.For Mrs. Stella Ugwu, a farmer, having a ministry dedicated to the development of the livestock industry can help in diversifying income sources for both farmers and herders and in turn reduce dependence on land.
”For instance, promoting agro-pastoralism can provide farmers with livestock and herders with agricultural produce”, she explained, adding that providing incentives for adopting sustainable practices, such as subsidies for fodder production or crop insurance, can ease economic pressures. Ugwu was however of the opinion that the creation of a new ministry to handle livestock affairs was uncalled for, since the job can effectively be done by the Technical and Service Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security and its equivalent on the states level.In some countries, the establishment of a Livestock Ministry or similar bodies has shown promising results. For example, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture includes a dedicated department for livestock which has successfully implemented programmes to improve pastoral livelihoods and reduce conflicts.
In Kenya, the establishment of the National Drought Management Authority has helped manage resources better, thus reducing clashes between herders and farmers during dry seasons.The president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Othman Ngelzarma, sees the Ministry of Livestock Development achieving the same feat for Nigeria in the near future. He told newsmen that, “MACBAN expresses its deepest appreciation to the Federal Government for creating a ministry of livestock to unlock the trillion-naira livestock economy and create qualitative and productive jobs across the value chain to improve the Nigerian economy. With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the Middle Belt Forum took a different view of the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development, saying it was not enough to sustainably resolve the decades-long farmers-herders crisis in the country. According to the National President of the association, Mr. Bitrus Pogu, what is needed to end the perennial farmers/herders clashes is a deliberate action by regulatory bodies and the government to stop criminal elements from carrying out deadly attacks on innocent Nigerians, mainly farmers. Hear him: “If the reason for creating the Ministry is to stop clashes, I think it is wrong because all of these attacks and killings that are happening have nothing to do with conflicts between farmers and herders. “Farmers have never connived at any given time to go and attack herders, but rather, criminals who happen to be Fulani gang up and attack farmers, kill, maim and chase them out of their ancestral homes.
“Then, the Fulani will come and occupy them. So, it is more about invasion, criminality, and terrorism. And the majority of those they hire to do these evils are not even those who have cattle. So, a deliberate action has to be taken by the government against the perpetrators, which will address the criminality.” Mr. Pogu suggested that the government should adopt ranching for productivity and enduring peace between the pastoralists and farmers in particular and the entire country in general.While the establishment of a Livestock Ministry presents a viable solution, it is not without challenges. Funding constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption can hamper its effectiveness. Additionally, deeply ingrained cultural practices and mistrust between farmers and herders can be difficult to overcome.
Critics argue that without a holistic approach that includes land reform, climate change adaptation, and broader economic development, a Livestock Ministry alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, it must work in tandem with other governmental and non-governmental bodies to ensure comprehensive solutions. “A dedicated Livestock Ministry, with its focus on sustainable resource management, conflict resolution, and economic incentives, offers a promising avenue to address the root causes of these clashes. However, its success depends on effective implementation, adequate funding, and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved. With the right strategies and commitment, devoid of any political or selfish interest, it can play a crucial role in fostering peace and prosperity in affected regions”, they advised.
Calista Ezeaku
Features
Developments In Rivers’ Health Sector …A Leap To Greater Height
Features
Infertility And Family Stability
Mrs Tamunobarabiye (not her real name) is an indigene of one of the riverine Local Government Areas of the oil-rich Rivers State of Nigeria, She was happily married to a man whom she described as her heartthrob. And the marriage thrived peacefully for ten years when suddenly there was a twist of events in the marital relationship. The relationship turned sour because of the absence of the fruit of the womb. The marriage was characterised by accusations and counter accusations compounded by pressures from external influences especially the husband’s relatives who blamed their son’s wife for not giving a child to their son. They described the woman as “another man in the house”, The union which started well with the Bible at the centre, was cat and rat, until medical procedures vindicated the woman. Such is the fate of many marriages and the unfortunate condition of many homes in Nigeria with the woman disproportionately blamed for lack of child bearing in marriage.
It is not saying something new that In most countries of the world, especially the African countries, infertility has posed great challenge to stability of marriage. Some marriages have failed because of inability of couple to have children. In a typical African tradition, where misguided myth and superstition hold sway, more often than not, women are speculatively and presumptuously blamed for the lack of procreation in the marital relationship while the husband is saintly in disposition and in the biased evaluation of his relatives. Gynaecologists however, have proven that either husband or wife or the both could be responsible for infertile challenges encountered in marriages. It is not exclusively an act of witchcraft as many African homes are prone to, and captivated by such superstitious belief. Gynaecologists and other medical experts have cited ignorance and the lack of awareness as major contributory factors to the rising incidence of infertility in marriages.
The specialists in women challenges spoke at the 2024 Fertility Conference, held recently in Lagos. The annual event, themed, “Infertility – Need for Knowledge and Early Intervention,” was organised by the Parah Family Foundation(PFF). The Lead Speaker, Preye Fiebai, a Professor and Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from the University of Port Harcourt, also noted that Nigerian men were unaware that the ability to ejaculate did not equate to being fertile. According to Fiebai, research has shown that 20-45 percent of women in Nigeria are infertile, but often, the cause of infertility in marriages is not the women.
The Specialist Obstetrician said research breakdown shows that 40 percent of infertility cases are due to male factors, 40 percent to female factors, 15 percent to combined male and female factors, and five percent are unexplained.
Fiebai listed causes of infertility in men to include: erectile dysfunction, impotence, decreased libido, psychogenic issues, endocrinopathies, age, and over weight, among others. For women, the medical expert pointed to cervical factors, uterine factors, diseases of the fallopian tubes, and problems with ovulation. Also, a professor of Surgery from the University of Lagos, Kehinde Habeeb Tijani, added factors such as age, weight, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to radiation, and constant exposure of the testicles to high temperatures as contributors to infertility. For his part, Managing Director, Lifeline Fertility Clinic, Kemi Alioje and Tony Akinyemi, while affirming the submission of the other speakers, offered various remedies to overcome infertility. They also advised women over the age of 54 to avoid aspiring for pregnancy due to the associated risks.
Also speaking, the Conference Convener, Dayo Odukoya described the infertility rates and causes as “alarming.” She emphasised the need for ongoing awareness to encourage couples experiencing infertility to seek solutions early in their marriages rather than delaying. According to her, “The foundation’s primary objective is to share vital information, enlighten and provide the relevant support system for families undergoing fertility challenges to eradicate ignorance, the misguided myths and social stigma associated with delayed fertility in our society. “The choice of the theme for this year’s conference; infertility- needs for knowledge and early intervention; is to further reiterate the importance of continued awareness, and knowledge about the challenges of infertility and more importantly, action to be taken as early as possible if not, it may cause further delays, especially in late marriage and aged women.
“The journey to parenthood is lonely and must not be treaded alone. There is a need for a support system on this journey and that is where the Parah Family comes in,” she said. The effects of infertility is better imagined than experienced. It is daunting, overwhelming and emotionally devastating. It triggers uneasy calm, quarrels, fighting, accusations, and divorce. The effects defy religious membership as some Christian marriages are not free from the attendant challenges caused by infertility..
Mrs Veronica, a victim of infertility induced crisis said infertility in marriage is a nightmare that a woman should not wish her enemy. According to her, it is stigmatizing, and leads to exclusiveness in a matrimonial home.”You know this thing called infertility is a bad thing that one should not even wish it happens to her enemy. It is a very bad experience. You are not free in your marital home.
Almost every member of your husband’s extended family sees you as the cause of their brother not having a child”. For Mrs. Beauty, infertility is a challenge that some women brought on themselves ignorantly when they were young. According to her, abortion may cause infertility. “You know that no woman knows her fertility status – that is the number of children a woman can give birth to, in a normal condition. Some women might have several pregnancy abortion and may still have a child or children. But some may abort only once, yet may not have any child”. She warned against the temptation of abortion of pregnancy. She said no pregnancy is “unwanted”. Rather than trading blames and accusations, married men and women should undergo medical checks to ascertain their fertility status even before marriage. Those who are medically deficient should access medical facility to solve the problem.
Igbiki Benibo
-
Rivers5 days ago
NYCOP Calls For Peace, Unity … Sympathizes With IYC
-
Women2 days ago
Women Can Curb Indecent Dressing
-
Featured2 days ago
Nigeria @64: We’ll Not Surrender To Barefaced Blackmail – Fubara …Lauds President Tinubu’s Robust Economic Reforms …•Promises To Always Put Rivers People First
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Bayelsa@ 28: Diri Calls For Sustained Support
-
News2 days ago
Construction Workers Slam Umahi Over Policy U-Turns, Project Terminations
-
Politics2 days ago
Rivers Assembly Backs RSIEC
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
Independence Anniversary: Oborevwori Urges For Peace, Unity among Nigerians
-
Women2 days ago
Nigeria Deserves Stylish, Sophisticated Designs-Igiebor Daddy Lucky