Jega Hails Zulum for ‘First of Its Kind’ Ranch as Minister Brands Gov Livestock Symbol
Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee, has commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for establishing a cattle ranch he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Jega made the commendation during the commissioning of the Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement in Mafa local government area on Saturday. The project was constructed by the Zulum administration with the support of the federal government.
“I must say that I witnessed something I had never seen in our country today. We have seen today the vision of a leader, the passion and commitment to what clearly will help drive economic growth, uplift the lives and livelihood of people and provide employment to our citizens,” Jega said.
He praised Borno State for its leadership in livestock development, especially with initiatives like the Annual Animal Vaccination Scheme and the distribution of livestock to restore livelihoods and provide economic empowerment to the citizens. He also noted the state’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development and the Borno State Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA).
Governor Zulum, during his address at the commissioning, explained that the Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement is a 4-square kilometer project built to support 461 nomadic families from 18 communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency.
The settlement offers housing, pairs of bulls and heifers, goats, and humanitarian relief packages for each family. The project also includes facilities such as a housing estate with road networks, schools, health clinics, veterinary services, dairy and beef upgrading centres, pasture development centres, milk collection centres, earth dams for water supply, markets, and security outposts.
Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, praised Governor Zulum for his exceptional commitment to livestock development, describing him as the ministry’s logo. The minister congratulated the governor on the commissioning of the project, emphasizing its importance for food security and the well-being of the people.
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr. Umar Kadafur, who oversees the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, highlighted that the Ngarannam Ranch is one of three such centres established by the Zulum administration, with the other two near completion.
“These centres symbolise our commitment to sustainable development, peaceful coexistence, and economic empowerment for our people,” said Dr. Kadafur.
