By Seyi Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reform Implementation.
Tinubu announced Jega’s selection during the committee’s inauguration on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The committee will address agricultural productivity challenges and provide new possibilities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors along the livestock value chain.
He noted that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.
According to Tinubu: “When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?
“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity to also delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development.
“It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings.”
The President noted that the traditional method of livestock farming would need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
