By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Niger state governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has encouraged Fulani cattle breeders to educate their kinsmen on the need to jettison archaic method of moving about with their cattle due to inherent consequences and embrace ranching, a universal modern cattle breeding system.
Cattle ranching, according to Governor Bago will amongst others end conflicts between farmers and herders on the course of grazing, enhance management of livestock and as well encourage developments along the corridors to reduce to the barest minimal rural-urban migrations.
Governor Bago made the declaration when he granted audience to representatives of various Fulani groups and organizations, organized by the Madako Foundation for conflicts resolutions and empowerment.
He emphasized that ranching stands as the most effective approach for livestock management and therefore encouraged the Fulani people to adopt the practice because of its potentials to boosting their income through enhanced value chain production.
Bago who acknowledged the hard work and resilience among genuine Fulani communities in parts of the state expressed his administration's resolve to identifying individuals engaged in criminal activities as he warned against further incitement of crisis by any means invasion of farmlands.
While also encouraging the Fulanis to prioritize education of their children, the Governor commended the CEO of the Madako Foundation for the initiatives aimed at not only building bridges across the diverse ethnic communities but facilitating the return of Fulani children to schools.
Governor Bago who also expressed preparedness to engage qualified Fulanis who are willing to teach in the state to join hands with his administration to improve on nomadic education.
Earlier, Dr. Abubakar Umar Girei, who represented the Lamido of Adamawa, commended Bago for being supportive to the Fulani communities through consistent inclusion into various initiatives, including support to the Madako Foundation.
The support enjoyed by Madako Foundation, according to him has been instrumental to improving the lives of Fulanis individually and collectively across Niger state.
Also speaking, Hauwa Ibrahim Madako, the CEO of the Madako Foundation, said the organization was founded after her personal experience with a child who had a neurological condition. NNL.