We Support Govs On Ban Of Open Grazing — Miyetti Allah

Apex body of Fulani herders, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders
Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has backed Governors on ban of
open grazing, saying it will help to address farmers –herders’
crisis.

Addressing reporters in Kaduna on Thursday, National Patron of
MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin, noted cattle rearing has been on in
Africa for over 100 years without any consideration for free
movement of cattle (Open Grazing) or any grazing reserve.

He said this was carried out because at that time, there were
few herders, farmers and cattle especially in Nigeria.

He noted the population of both has increased with modern
techniques of farming consuming land tremendously.

Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin Fulani Nasarawa, said with the
current International concern on cattle rearing in Africa,
especially Nigeria, there is need to look at how best this practice
will be carried out successfully.

According to him: “As a concerned Fulani Leader in Nigeria, I
have a free mind on anyone recommending a ban on open grazing, free
movement of herders and cattle in Nigeria because the practice is
getting outdated internationally and is therefore necessary for
Nigeria especially Fulani race to study critically the traditional
open grazing believing that the 21st century may never accommodate
it.

“When you look at the practice of open grazing in Nigeria
compared with what is happening Internationally, Nigeria can never
continue with traditional open grazing practice.

“In order to effect a change, the Fulani elites should be bold
enough to come out with alternatives to open grazing and advise the
Fulanis in Nigeria accordingly.

“Most importantly the various Fulani Associations with
Membership up to 50 must come together and talk with one voice on
this tradition of open grazing and not necessarily allow any group
to come out to do it for them.”

He added: “I have fully observed the feeling of many groups and
individuals in Nigeria about open grazing. There is so much
condemnation from Nigerian Governors, Northern Governors, Southern
Governors etc.

“These groups and individuals should never be condemned and must
be praised for their bold comments trying to modernise and improve
cattle rearing in Nigeria.

“Another reason why we should shun away from open grazing is the
way old methods of settlements of crises between herdsmen and
farmers have been abandoned.

“May I seize this opportunity to congratulate all the Governors
for the bold steps they are taking to curve the menace of open
grazing, kidnapping and banditry.

“Nigeria must remain one entity and one Nigeria as against what
is happening now. We should rely more on dialogue and mediation
with herders, Fulani leaders, Traditional rulers and our Governors
in order to end this feud.

“Finally I strongly appeal to the Federal and State Governments
to maintain all existing grazing reserves by providing special
amenities mentioned in my earlier suggestions.

“It is also necessary that Government uses the services of World
Bank to archive all plans that will come out of well modernised
Grazing Reserves in Nigeria.”

Apex body of Fulani herders, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders
Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has backed Governors on ban of
open grazing, saying it will help to address farmers –herders’
crisis.

Addressing reporters in Kaduna on Thursday, National Patron of
MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin, noted cattle rearing has been on in
Africa for over 100 years without any consideration for free
movement of cattle (Open Grazing) or any grazing reserve.

He said this was carried out because at that time, there were
few herders, farmers and cattle especially in Nigeria.

He noted the population of both has increased with modern
techniques of farming consuming land tremendously.

Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin Fulani Nasarawa, said with the
current International concern on cattle rearing in Africa,
especially Nigeria, there is need to look at how best this practice
will be carried out successfully.

According to him: “As a concerned Fulani Leader in Nigeria, I
have a free mind on anyone recommending a ban on open grazing, free
movement of herders and cattle in Nigeria because the practice is
getting outdated internationally and is therefore necessary for
Nigeria especially Fulani race to study critically the traditional
open grazing believing that the 21st century may never accommodate
it.

“When you look at the practice of open grazing in Nigeria
compared with what is happening Internationally, Nigeria can never
continue with traditional open grazing practice.

“In order to effect a change, the Fulani elites should be bold
enough to come out with alternatives to open grazing and advise the
Fulanis in Nigeria accordingly.

“Most importantly the various Fulani Associations with
Membership up to 50 must come together and talk with one voice on
this tradition of open grazing and not necessarily allow any group
to come out to do it for them.”

He added: “I have fully observed the feeling of many groups and
individuals in Nigeria about open grazing. There is so much
condemnation from Nigerian Governors, Northern Governors, Southern
Governors etc.

“These groups and individuals should never be condemned and must
be praised for their bold comments trying to modernise and improve
cattle rearing in Nigeria.

“Another reason why we should shun away from open grazing is the
way old methods of settlements of crises between herdsmen and
farmers have been abandoned.

“May I seize this opportunity to congratulate all the Governors
for the bold steps they are taking to curve the menace of open
grazing, kidnapping and banditry.

“Nigeria must remain one entity and one Nigeria as against what
is happening now. We should rely more on dialogue and mediation
with herders, Fulani leaders, Traditional rulers and our Governors
in order to end this feud.

“Finally I strongly appeal to the Federal and State Governments
to maintain all existing grazing reserves by providing special
amenities mentioned in my earlier suggestions.

“It is also necessary that Government uses the services of World
Bank to archive all plans that will come out of well modernised
Grazing Reserves in Nigeria.”