The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said the office of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is already handling the establishment of Ruga settlements nationwide.
The Secretary-General of the association, Baba Uthman Ngelzarma, disclosed this on Friday on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television.
Ngelzerma said, “This Ruga settlement model is a component part of the livestock development and transformation plan that is being implemented under the Office of the Vice-President. It is a component part of it.
“All must agree with me that the crisis we are facing today has become a multi-dimensional one and so the approach must also be holistic. It was the desire of the Federal Government to take a holistic approach that gave birth to the Ruga settlement model and it is not only for Fulani herders.
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“In southern Kaduna, there are natives who are also herders. Even in Plateau, there are other groups that are herders. It was intended for the herders as part of efforts by the government to come up with an economic model of solving this crisis.
“This is an integrated settlement that will bring about the production of pasture grass, water, schools, markets, meat and milk processing and where it can create a sub-sector of the economy. This is something that if done properly, it will create a lot of employment.”
On the reactions of Nigerians and other regions, he said “It is a misunderstood concept to some people. The lands are under the control of governors. This model is a trial. It will be done in 12 states to see if it can work or not. Even we, from the side of the herders, have our reservations,” he said.