Agriculture
RUGA Gets N2.2bn in 2019 Budget
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate) Matters, Senator Ita Enang has called on States in the southern part of the country to support the implementation of the proposed Ruga cattle settlement programme by making land available.
The Presidential aide disclosed that a whopping N2.
258 billion was provided for the implementation of the Ruga programme in the 2019 budget.Enang is who made the appeal at the weekend when he hosted Students of Law School Abuja from Akwa Ibom State, said that the word – Ruga is not derived from Hausa or Fulani, but an acronym for Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) initiated in 1956 during the colonial era and is not intended to islamize, fulanized or colonize anybody.
Supporting his claims, Enang cited the 2019 federal budget, volume 1 under the ministry of agricultural and rural development item number ERGP 5208 where the sum of N2.258bn was provided and budgeted for the grazing programme.
He maintained that the national assembly members are not against the Ruga programme because they aware of it and had been approving funds for it’s implementation.
Besides the over N2 billion appropriated for the Ruga there were also budgeted sum of N300 million for water sanitation, N400 million development for sweet potatoes, N350 million for ginger development amongst several other budgeted.
He said that the ruga policy is just one component of the budget under the ministry of agriculture.
Though President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the suspension of the Programme following a widespread protest against the implementation of the Programme in most states across the country especially in the middle belt and southern region.
But the presidential aide stressed that the objective of the budget for ruga is to promote cattle breeding and meet production.
He explained that the ruga programme is an integrated farm system which has schools, good road, tractors and mechanisatiom, agricultural integration.
with a provision for primary healthcare, vetinery, schools.
Senator Enang callee on the governor of Akwa Ibom State to also provide land for the establishment of RUGA in the states while urging the federal government to include his state amongst the benefiting states.
He, however, disclosed that asides the budgeted sum for Ruga in the 2019 expenditure, there is another sum provided for the emergency Ruga implementation programme approved in May by the National Economic Council for states that will make land available.
Enang said that since 1999 he has been hosting students of Law School from Akwa Ibom State but this was specifically to enlighten them on the objective of Ruga programme against the misconceptions making the orunds .
Enang served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011, the elected senate in 2011 to 2015 and appointed SSA to the President on National Assembly (Senate) matters to date.
”One of the rumours was that President Buhari was going to acquire land people’s feed cow, ” he said.
He asked the law students one after the other what they know about Ruga and each and everyone gave his view on the issue.
Some said they have not known much about the real issue because government was yet to enlighten them on it.
Senator Enang said that Ruga is not a Hausa or Fulani word but an acronym for Rural Grazing Areas.
According to him the Ruga programme started in Nigeria since 1956, adding that it is not only for rearing cattle but farming and rearing of other animals.
”Ruga is not a plan to seize land from people neither and it’s not meant to fulanize or colonize anybody.
”The Programme is meant to address the issue of cattle roaming and destruction of farmland which would put an end to the herders/farmers crisis, ” Enang explained.
According to the presidential aide, people in the south have farm settlements and plantations which he equates to Ruga.
”The idea of Ruga graduated in 1978 into the Land Use Act which states that a portion of land has to be reserved for grazing to avoid the destruction of farm produce by cattle.
”Over time cattle roamed and destroyed farms hence the introduction of the policy to address the issue, ” he said.
He noted that in places like the north, earth dams were constructed to cater for cattle.
He expressed shocks over the inability of some states governors to understand the policy.
One of the first Ruga programmes is Obudu Cattle Ranch and the Yankari Games Reserve.
He said that every year there has been allocation for the continuous funding of grazing areas.
The height of the herders/farmers crisis led to the introduction of the ruga policy May 8, by the federal government mostly in the middle belt region and some states in North east and north west.
He said that it was the National Economic Council (NEC) that approved the establishment of the emergency Ruga policy but wondered by some governors were denying been part of the approval.
The FG is not any way trying to takeover anybody’s land for ruga adding that land under the land use act is on the hands of state government.
He faulted the claims by some governors that it was meant to Fulanize peole.
He said that the emergency ruga programme did not involve any state in the South East, South West and the South South because the areas that had the problems were about 10 states mainly North Central, and few states in North West and North East.
Responding to questions from the law students he said in most places wealth is measured by the number of cattle one has.
Senator Enang said that people in the southern part of the country preferred the local cow because it’s more nutritious than the ones brought from the north.
He urged the states in the south to open up their lands for ruga.
He said those in the habit of abusing their leaders who buy into the ruga programme are not well informed on the policy adding that their representatives in the national assembly unanimously passed the budget for Ruga and the ministers from all the states of the federation also approved the ruga at NEC.
He further highlighted that each state has a representative at the Federal executive council just like NASS.
He said that the president is very sensitive to the plight of Nigerian hence the call for the suspension of the Ruga picy.
The Ruga is an investment programme that will generate money for the state and the country at large.
Ruga (Rural Grazing Areas) started in 1956.
He appealed to all Nigerians to stop politicizing the implementation of the ruga policy.
He said that if lawyers understand, the world will understand.
The students appreciated the senator appealing to government to increase its public enlightenment programme to enable the citizens understand better its policies and programmes in order to avoid rancor.
Ndifrake Inyang, leader of the Akwa Ibom State Students of the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus, said: “We came here today to pay a courtesy call on Senator Ita Enang in keeping with his 20 years tradition of hosting law students being that he is a lawyer we came to learn from his wealth of experience.
“Today the distinguished senator took a different dimension by enlightening us on the issue of Rural Grazing Area (RUGA).
I recalled that about two months ago there was crisis in Taraba and Benue states. While I was growing up in my own place (Cross River State) we had a similar issue and this has been on for many years.
“Personally, I didn’t have the right notion about RUGA but I reserved my comment on that at that time because as a lawyer you don’t have to talk until you know all the facts. So having known the facts about the entire process, I am happy and I am in better position to educate others on the subject matter.
“Sincerely speaking the RUGA is something that everybody would want to have because of the economic derivatives. I also want the RUGA settlement in my state Akwa Ibom so that there will be employment and our people can benefit from it and also put to an end the national crisis so that we will have one peace Nigeria.”
Another law student Anastasia Ligiounim Ugbaka, an indigene of Obudu, Cross River State, said that the notion by most Nigerians is that the federal government want to take land from the people and islamize the country the RUGA programme.
She urged the government to expand the Obudu Cattle ranch and increase the number of cattle and other animals so as to create jobs.
She advised the federal government that when implement the RUGA policy they should go about it with caution so as not to ignite crisis because some people still hold divergence view on the issue.
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From Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has assured the Ginger farmers, whose farmlands and produce were affected by the strange fungal disease in Kaduna recently of the Federal Government’s intervention.
The Federal Government assurance for succour came after few weeks that over two hundred Ginger farmlands and produce worth N10billion were destroyed in Southern part of Kaduna state.
The Minister, who was represented by the Assistant Chief Agric Officer; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs.
Rita Agbogo made the assurance of the Minister’s quick intervention during a visit to the affected farmlands in Southern Kaduna on Friday.The representative of the Minister, who was the leader of a five-man delegation to Southern Kaduna reiterated the commitment of the Ministry towards finding a lasting solution to prevent further re-occurrence of the disaster, and to ensuring that the affected farmers were provided with adequate support.
” We are already feeling the pains of our dear Ginger farmers, and that is why we are here on the mission damage assessment. With our visit to some of these farmlands, we have seen to what extent the damage was. We are going to recommend to the Ministry on what is the best way to help the affected farmers out of the present situation,” Mrs. Agbogo explained.
When asked, what could be the cause of the fungal disease, she said “we are yet to know the cause of the damage, and that is why we are here with other relevant organisations. We will make research and continue to liaise with these organisations in order to know the cause and prevent future re-occurrence.
” The cause could be the type of seeds, soil, source of the seeds, and it could be any other factor but, for now, we can not say what really happened,” she stated.
While fielding questions from journalists, the National President of the National Ginger Association of Nigeria, Nuhu Daudu commended the Minister for his quick response towards finding long-term measures to prevent further damage to the crop .
Daudu further explained that the damage will impact negatively on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Committee dedicated to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.
The President announced the establishment of the Committee on Thursday in Abuja, following the submission of a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria.
The Conference was convened by the former Executive Governor of Kano State and Chairman of All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Dr.
Umar Abdullahi Ganduje.The President explained that the Committee was expected to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.
“The Federal Government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring the land. These opportunities will provide gainful employment for our veterinary doctors, while opening doors for the private sector as the provision of new educational opportunities for herders’ and their children emerge. Medical facilities will be established. This is a life-changing opportunity that we have.
“Imagine us producing enough milk for our school children. Imagine us becoming net exporters of cheese and yoghurt. Imagine us producing the skin massively with a major Nigerian leather industry. Imagine us providing cold storage facilities and employment across the nation. These things are possible in front of us,” the President charged.
A statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu commended Ganduje for assembling the best minds and experts to find solutions to the perennial issues between pastoralists and farmers.
He also praised the committee members for their diligent work in examining the complex issues related to livestock management, land use, and security.
“Out of every tragedy, if you are careful, you will see an opportunity. We have faced this conflict for some time. We know it is a homegrown problem. It is very hard for people to stay away from their traditional, old ways.
“I tried in 2018 to bring about a solution to this problem, but it proved elusive. But I’ve been told not to ever give up, and today I believe the solution is here,” the President stated, referring to the committee report, which contains several recommendations.
“It is not the fault of herders and farmers that this crisis has persisted. It is the fault of the leadership who failed to find immediate solutions to solve their problems. Leadership is about thinking and doing,” he said.
In his remarks, Ganduje recalled that during his tenure as the Governor of Kano State, he had hosted the National Conference as part of a deliberate effort to promote the modernization of livestock production, while strengthening the capacity of local authorities to manage relationships and amicably resolve conflicts between herders and farmers.
He noted that Kano had remained one of the most peaceful states in the country throughout his eight years in office.
“Mr. President, I am convinced that the report submitted here today has the antidote to the problems of the livestock industry. It addresses the key reforms and presents various development options required for the sustainable development of the sector.
“The implementation of the proposals will enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, promote environmental conservation, address substantial causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, and help in reducing the cost of importation for animal products like milk and beef,” the Convener noted.
WFP Approves $2.5bn to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
The World Food Programme (WFP) has committed the sum of $2.5 billion to support Nigeria in tackling hunger in the next five years.
Country Director, WFP David Stevenson, disclosed this when he visited the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja on Thursday.
Stevenson said the initiative will harness the agricultural potentials in the north of the country.
He said, “I recently had a short discussion with the vice-president and we agreed to meet again in Abuja,” he said.
“We presented our strategy called ‘Out of conflict interest solutions’. It is a food system strategy based on the agricultural potential in the north.
“As you know, from Lake Chad across Borno to Potiskum, straight to Kano into the north-west had been the bread basket in the past, really productive.
“What I am taking out of this is renewed energy. I came to Nigeria to really help and I actually came back to the world food programme after some years away.
“We presented our strategy called ‘Out of conflict interest solutions’. It is a food system strategy based on the agricultural potential in the north.
“As you know, from Lake Chad across Borno to Potiskum, straight to Kano into the north-west had been the bread basket in the past, really productive.
“What I am taking out of this is renewed energy. I came to Nigeria to really help and I actually came back to the world food programme after some years away.
“I was mentioning to the minister that I came back to Nigeria because really I believe in the country and the ability of Nigerians to work out their own challenges and to prosper as so many have.
“It is really exciting for me and my office to be a part of it so I have come with interest and I am leaving with so much energy and interest than I came in with.”
According to a statement by the WFP, 2.1 million Nigerians stand to benefit from the initiative.
“The World Food Programme has pledged to support President Bola Tinubu’s zero hunger programme under the federal ministry of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation,” the statement reads.
“2.1 million Nigerians have already been captured as beneficiaries of the program with the hope to expand while working with the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation Dr. Betta Edu.
“The minister commended the WPF for the support, adding that ‘we have the challenges staring at us in the face and we must provide solutions to them’.”
She said the support is coming at a time when Nigeria is in need of lasting solutions to the hunger challenge in the country.
Nigeria Has No Business Being Poor- Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday said Nigeria had no business being poor, having been blessed with enormous human and natural resources across the country.
In a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja, Tinubu assured Nigerians that under his leadership, the resources would be adequately harnessed for the benefit of citizens.
Ngelale said the president stated this at a meeting with a 62-man delegation from Rivers, comprising of leaders from both the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC), and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the State House, Abuja.
“We are not meant to be in a position to be poor. We will turn the tide! Somewhere, somehow in this storm, there’s a quiet and peaceful place for us. We will locate it!
“We are not lazy people, we are richly endowed. We just need to be our brother’s keeper, and good neighbours to one another. I am not a President that will give excuses.
“’I will work hard for our nation with purpose, determination and dedication, to create wealth for all Nigerians., we have no reason to be poor! We will not look back, we will run aggressively forward.
“Today, we may be swimming against the tide. But the waves will soon propel us forward from behind. We will achieve the goals and dreams of our forefathers. I am inspired by the people I now lead,” the President said.
Speaking on infrastructure development in Rivers State, Tinubu said he had heard the cries of prominent Rivers sons, with particular reference to the Eleme Junction-Onne axis of the East-West Road, linking the Port Harcourt Refinery.
According to him, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is a strong adviser, and will follow up on the issue for prompt action.
“The Honourable Minister, Wike, is not just the Minister of FCT, he is also my adviser and an admirer of mine. He has hit the ground running and he should be encouraged by the state,” the President said.
In his remarks, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, told the President that the delegation, which included leaders of political parties, past and present members of the state and National Assembly across parties, was on a solidarity and thank you visit.
“The people of Rivers State voted for you in the last general elections based on their belief in fairness, equity and justice. This is the first time that Rivers State is truly feeling the impact of the Federal Government, since the inception of democracy in 1999,” Fubara said.
The governor said that the delegation appreciated the President for appointing capable sons and daughters of the state into highly strategic positions in his administration.
He particularly thanked the president for the appointments of Wike; Ngelale, other sons and daughters of Rivers into the Boards and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as other institutions.
Fubara applauded Tinubu for attracting the 14 billion dollars investment approval for projects nationwide during the G-20 Summit, including the expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals in Eleme, Rivers.
He disclosed that state had just allocated 209 hectares of land in support of the new investment. (NAN)
A devastating windstorm hit the Dauda Mafala and Sons Poultry Farm at Rapomol, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau on Saturday, killing over 3,600 birds.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the farm on Sunday, learnt that the incident was caused by a heavy downpour in the area.
NAN reports that the windstorm destroyed six other chicken shades, part of poultry fence and electricity poles, amongst other structures in the farm.
The Managing Director of the farm, Mr Keneth Mafala, told NAN that the farm, which was established in 1976, had the capacity to house 60,000 birds.
Mafala said that the windstorm also destroyed an automated cage worth 80,000 dollars.
”At about 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, a windstorm destroyed so many structures in this farm.
“It particularly destroyed a chicken shade housing 10,800 laying birds.
”As we speak, we have lost 3,600 birds already and, as you can see, we are still evacuating them.
“So, the number may increase by the time we are done.
”It has also completely destroyed a fully automated chicken cage that cost us 80,000 dollars to import in 2013.
”This machine has the egg packing system, feeding system and the manure recovery system,” he said.
Mafala further explained that aside the automated cage, the total damage recorded from the calamity worth over N250 million.
In a reaction, the Spokesperson for the Plateau Chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Mrs Nanji Gambo, described the incident as ”unfortunate”.
Gambo also said it was a huge loss to the poultry industry in the state.
She called on the State Government to come to the aid of the farm proprietor.
She further expressed the need for government’s deliberate support for the poultry industry in the state in general.
According to her, the poultry industry is one of the largest employers of labour in the country.
”Already, poultry industry is facing a series of challenges due to the current economic hardship in the country.
“The removal of subsidy is really telling on poultry farmers.
”There is the high cost of feeds materials, poor market for eggs and other poultry products, among other challenges.
”Last year, for instance, a lot of our farmers were affected by flood that ravaged some communities in the state and no assistance came their way.
”So, we call on the government to support this farmer and other farmers affected by similar situations to revive their businesses.
”That way, they will bounce back to business and contribute to the growth of the economy of the state,” Gambo said.
She particularly called on the Plateau Government to use part of the N5 billion Federal Government’s palliative to revive the ailing poultry industry in the state
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