News
Northern elders call for National Pastoralist Commission
The Professor Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders Forum, on Sunday, demanded the immediate setting up of a National Pastoralist Commission, as obtained in the South-South geopolitical zone, to act on all matters affecting the well-being and interests of all citizens whose livelihoods depend on livestock rearing.
The demand was a sequel to the proposed controversial National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission before the Senate.
The bill, if enacted, would prohibit open grazing nationwide, in a bid to resolve long standing conflicts between herders and farmers.
The PUNCH reports that penultimate Wednesday, tensions ran high at the Senate as the bill to ban open grazing passed its second reading.
The legislative session was marked by heated debates and strong emotions, reflecting the contentious nature of the proposed law.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West.
The northern body, however, gave its condition for the bill as it advocated for the development of policies and programmes that supported the transition from open grazing to ranching, in a manner that would ensure the well-being of pastoral communities while also addressing the environmental and security issues associated with open grazing.
The NEF, in a statement through its Director of Publicity And Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in Kaduna, proposed the proclamation of a National Policy on Grazing and Livestock Development to cater to the needs of all the pastoral communities everywhere in the country.
“Successive governments have found it expeditious to establish structures like Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, Niger Delta Development Commission, Ministry of Niger Delta, the Amnesty Programme, etc, aimed at resolving a specific set of challenges affecting specific communities in the South,” the forum said.
It added that there was no justification whatsoever to resist or even question the creation of special initiatives to address the needs of herdsmen if these would lead to lasting peace and stability.
It asked the government to make its intention genuine by proclaiming a special intervention initiative through the Central Bank of Nigeria, ministries of Finance, National Planning, Agriculture and Water Resources.
The forum said the initiative must support special livestock development policies and the establishment of special funds to support pastoral communities along the lines of the Anchor Borrowers Programme and other types of Federal Government interventions.
On the proposed bill, the northern elders noted that even as some northern senators expressed opposition to the legislation, it recognised the importance of addressing the challenges posed by open grazing and the need for a more sustainable and modern approach to livestock management.
The NEF added that all stakeholders needed to engage in meaningful dialogue and consultation to find a balanced and acceptable solution which would take into account the interests of all parties involved.
“In light of the disagreements in the National Assembly on this matter, NEF calls for a collaborative and inclusive approach to decision-making that considers the diverse perspectives and concerns of all stakeholders.
“Meanwhile, the federal and state governments should immediately identify suitable lands across the country and create grazing reserves and cattle routes and, where resistance is shown, to expropriate such land as may be required for the purpose through resort to extant provisions of the Land Use Act and other related laws.
“We propose the proclamation of a National Policy on Grazing and Livestock Development to cater to the needs of all the pastoral communities everywhere in the country.
“We call for the immediate proclamation of a Special Intervention Initiative through the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministries of Finance, National Planning, Agriculture and Water Resources, for supporting special livestock development policies and the establishment of special funds to support pastoral communities along the lines of the Anchor Borrowers Programme and other types of Federal Government interventions.
“We call for the immediate setting up of a National Pastoralist Commission to act on all matters affecting the wellbeing and interests of all citizens whose livelihoods depend on livestock rearing.
“Successive governments have found it expeditious to establish structures like OMPADEC, NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta, the Amnesty Programme, etc aimed at resolving a specific set of challenges affecting specific communities in the South.
“There is, therefore, no justification whatsoever to resist or even question the creation of special initiatives to address the needs of herdsmen if these will lead to lasting peace and stability,” the statement read.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his visible efforts in improving infrastructural development within the FCT.
While commending the minister over his developmental strides, the union also called for more economic reforms for citizens in the FCT.
This was contained in a communiqué released after the Council’s historic first Congress, held on Saturday at the Council’s Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
The Congressmen used the occasion to discuss the state of the Union/Nation and urged relevant government authorities to improve the economic and social development of their citizens.
Other matters of urgent concern include the rising cost of living, poor supply of power, and insecurity in states across the federation.
The event, presided over by Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, was a significant milestone, bringing together over 400 members with former Chairmen of the Council and NAWOJ past leaders in attendance.
In her opening remark, Comrade Ike emphasised the commitment of the executive to the prosperity and unity of the Council.
“It is a privilege to welcome you all to this momentous first Congress of the NUJ FCT Council under our leadership. Today represents more than a formal gathering; it is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to unity, progress, and the collective good of our profession,” she stated.
During the Congress, members deliberated on several critical issues, highlighting the rising cost of living as a major challenge. The Council described the escalating cost of basic goods and services as a heavy burden on Nigerians and called for immediate measures by the Federal Government to alleviate these hardships.
The Congress also expressed concern over the erratic power supply within the Federal Capital Territory, noting its impact on businesses and the daily lives of residents.
“The frequent disruption in electricity and water supply is pushing operational costs higher and reducing profit margins for businesses, placing an additional strain on the average Nigerian,” the communiqué stated.
It called on relevant agencies to prioritise the restoration of basic amenities to improve the quality of life in the region.
The NUJ FCT Council voiced its grave concern over rising insecurity, including disturbing reports of ritual killings and other heinous acts, linking these incidents to an economic downturn. It emphasised the need for a collaborative effort to address economic and security challenges.
The Congress concluded, pledging commitment to unity and advancement of the union for the betterment of her members.
The National Assembly has postponed its resumption earlier, fixed for January 28 till February 4.
The Clerks to the Senate and House of Representatives disclosed this in separate statements in Abuja.
In an internal memo dated Friday 24th January 2025, and addressed to all Senators titled: ‘Change in Resumption Date,’ the Clerk to the Senate, Andrew Nwoba, said: “Please be informed that there is a change in the resumption date due to the ongoing budget defence.
“It has been rescheduled from Tuesday, 28th January 2025, to Tuesday, 4th February 2025, at 11:00 am. prompt.”
The House of Representatives also announced the postponement of its resumption in a statement by its Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., titled: ‘House of Representatives Postpones Resumption of Plenary to Tuesday, February 4, 2025.’
The statement reads in part:
“The House of Representatives has announced the postponement of its plenary resumption, previously scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The new date for resumption is now set for Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
“This development was communicated to Honourable Members through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on the directive of the House Leadership.
“The postponement is necessary to allow Committees sufficient time to conclude ongoing budget engagements and defences with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“This measure ensures a thorough and comprehensive approach to legislative responsibilities.
“The House remains committed to fulfilling its legislative mandate for the benefit of Nigerians and appreciates the understanding of all stakeholders.”
President Tinubu has mandated a reform of the N-Power Scheme to enhance its productivity and impact.
According to presidential aide, Dada Olusegun, in a post on X, the reform aims to connect youths through training and also link them directly to the market space and private sector, ensuring that acquired skills translate into viable job opportunities.
Olusegun said over 100,000 items have been procured to empower youths across the country.
He said the President has also approved a sum of N32.7bn for the implementation of the National Social Investment Program in 2025.
“Through cooperative clusters, Nigerians will benefit from low-interest credits of N300,000-400,000,” he said.
The presidential aide added that the initiative aims to empower vulnerable Nigerians, particularly women and youth, by enabling them to launch or expand small businesses, thus improving their livelihoods.
“2025 promises to be a year of rewards for all Nigerians who have had to go through ongoing economic reforms as the administration seeks to fulfil the Renewed Hope agenda,” he concluded.
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