NEC proposes N100bn to fund livestock programme – TheNigerialawyer

• Says implementation remains voluntary

The National Economic Council presided over by Vice President
Yemi Osinbajo, has proposed a budget of N100billion for the
implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan.

They proposed that the Federal government would bear 80 per cent
of the N100 billion, while participating states would support the
balance of N20 billion and land for the programme.

The Chairman of the sub-committee and Governor of Ebonyi State,
Dave Umahi, said while briefing State House Correspondents at the
end of the meeting said that the proposal was submitted on Thursday
to the National Economic Council by its Sub-Committee on
farmers-herders’ crisis.

Umahi explained that contrary to the widely-held belief, the
NLTP was not about cows alone but had three planks, including care
for persons displaced by farmers-herders’ crisis and education
programmes.

He added that states were also free to use any animals of their
choice in implementing the programme.

Umahi stressed that the programme remained voluntary and would
accommodate only states that expressed participation interest.

Umahi said: “The committee presented a National Livestock
Transformation Plan (NLTP) 2019-2028 today.

“The plan is not targeted only at cows but a holistic strategy
to address animal husbandry.

“The plan has six pillars through which it aims to transform the
livestock production system in Nigeria along market-oriented value
chain while ensuring an atmosphere of peace and justice.

The six key pillars include: economic develop (investment),
conflict resolution, justice and peace, humanitarian relief and
early recovery (that is to IDPs), human capital development and
cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, research and
information and strategic communication.”

The Ebonyi governor added that the committee proposed
implementation guidelines to guide the Federal government and
states.

“N100 billion budget was proposed to support the project. The
federal government is to contribute 80 percent in grant to support
the project while states will contribute land, project
implementation structure, personnel and 20 percent cost of the
project.

“Council resolved today that there is need to look at the
trans-human West African protocol; you cannot allow such movement
of cattle without registration and monitoring.

Council emphasised the need to continue to establish the
National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) a creation of NEC and
state governors and of course the Minister of Agriculture is also a
member of this committee; the Minister of Interior is also a
member, and it is entirely distinct from Ruga.

“NEC adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP)
January 18, 2019 and it is a creation of national economic council
of course in liaison with the Federal government.

“States will determine whether or not to participate. Federal
government did not impose this plan, participation remains
voluntary. What we are talking about is National Livestock
Transformation Plan (NLTP) which is a product of NEC in liaison
with Federal government.”

Though no date has been fixed for effective take-off of the
programme, Umahi explained that the proposed N100 billion will
still be reviewed by the next meeting in October before a date is
decided.

Again: FG Reaffirms to Upgrade Stadia
Nationwide
The Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has once again
reaffirmed his commitment and political will to upgrade, manage and
maintain in high standard, stadia across the Nation.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare made
his assertion during his visit to some stadia recently, National
Stadium Surulere, Onikan, and campus memorial all in Lagos
state.
As regards the decaying state of the National Stadium Surulere the
Minister assured that Ministry will consult and sit with experts
and stakeholders including auditors to work out best options.
Dare promised to put in motion a process of refurbishing the
edifice which he said is central to bringing back the culture of
sports, which will require political will, and synergy of various
levels of Government, Federal Government, States and Local
Governments working together and most importantly a large dose of
participation by the private sector.
Similarly, Mr. Sunday Dare has also visited the M.K.O National
Stadium Abuja, Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna as well as inspecting
other stadia, he said that Government is ready to upgrade, manage
and maintain these facilities to its optimal working condition that
will attract a huge number of Youth involving themselves in
deferent sporting activities, thereby divertingtheir minds and
attention from vices.
The Minister said this will be one of the several inspections that
will be done on the facilities, reports and audits will be done
before the actual renovation. He said that Government is determined
to build the capacity and good virtues of our youths through the
standard upgrade of these stadia to enhance and ensure relative
peace and security in Nigeria.
As the saying goes, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop” but when
these youths are positively engaged in one sporting game or the
other in these standard and well equipped stadia, they will become
good citizens of the Nigerian society.

Hasiya Haruna
Information Officer.
For: Director Press.