The Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration has called for collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Army for a healthier relationship between herders and their host communities.
Chairman of the Delta State Livestock Management Committee (DLMC), Chief Julius Egbedi, who doubles as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit with members of the Committee on the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade Nigeria Army in Asaba.
He said that the essence of the visit was to seek support and synergy with the Nigerian Army on best ways to implement the recently signed law aimed to prevent headers and farmers crisis in the state.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend your presence in the state and the activities of the Nigerian Army under your command which have greatly improved security in the state.
“I pray that this tempo is sustained. You may recall that the DLMC was inaugurated by His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 with a charge to implement the Delta State Livestock, Breeding, Rearing, and Marketing Regulation Law 2021 in the best interest of the citizens.
“The law basically was enacted to prevent herders and farmers crisis thus promoting harmonious living amongst herders and farmers and to encourage sustainable humane breeding, production and husbandry and marketing of livestock in the state.
“The committee is currently meeting with critical stakeholders to garner support, assistance and ideas on the best way to implement the law in the best interest of the citizens in the state.
Egbedi noted that the Nigerian Army remains a critical stakeholder, hence the visit to seek its collaboration by way of information to all military formations in the state.
He noted that the military support was also needed for the soon to be established Special Task Force in each of the 25 Local Government Areas of the state just as he commended the Nigerian Army for the improved security in the state.
Responding, Brigadier General Abdulrahaman Idris, Commander, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, Asaba, said though the task was challenging, the army would be there to give support when called upon.
He said that the various reports before them had revealed that the miscreants that unleashed mayhem on farmers were foreign migrants not Nigerians.
He said that no country toils with the agriculture sector and food production while pledging the command’s support to ensure peace and security in the state when called upon.
Other members of the committee in company of the commissioner are Mr David Tonwe, Dr Charles Diai , Mr Jona Nwigwe and Dr Augustine Ojogbo, the committee secretary.
The highpoint of the occasion was the handing over of a copy of the law by the committee xhairman, Egbedi to the Brigade Commander.
