Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Bolu Owotomo made this known at the flag off ceremony of free Anthrax Vaccination and Enumeration of Herders in the state by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in conjunction with Southwest Commodities Farmers' Organization held at the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta.
He said that 400,000 anthrax vaccines provided by the Federal Government would protect the cattles from the dangerous zoonotic disease which poses a risk not just to livestock but also human health as well as improve productivity and boost food security.
Owotomo pointed out that the registration of herders , including those from the neighbouring state engaged in seasonal grazing, was vital for monitoring livestock movement , preventing the spread of transboundry animal diseases,as well as addressing issues of smuggling which often introduce diseases and disrupt farming activities.
The Commissioner maintained that accurate data collection through this initiative would enhance effective policy making, promote conflict resolution and facilitate equitable resources distribution, adding that fostering collaboration with herders was aimed to ensure peace, security and sustainable livestock farming practices in the state, as the issue of Fulani and herders clash has become a thing of the past .
He appreciated the Federal Government and other stakeholders involved in the programme for their support ,stressing that the initiative would be beneficial to all as it would safeguard livestock, fortify agricultural economy and create a healthier state for everyone
"I call on all cattle owners and herders to cooperate fully with the Vaccination team, this initiative will benefit everyone as it will strive to safeguard our livestock and create a healthier Ogun state for all" he said
On his part, Director, Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso mentioned that the decision to collaborate with the herders through the SWCFO was born out of the outbreak linked to consumption of conterminated animal products brought to Nigeria by pastoralists adding that this brought about herders enumeration, regular training and also prevent illegal entry of pastoralist which would reduce herders-farmers conflict in the state
Jolaoso added further that the department embarked on standardization of slaughter slabs, livestock market and farms, issuance of licences as stamps of approval inorder to prevent animal disease in the state.
The Senior Special Assistance to the governor on inter Ethnic Affairs, Prince, Hadi Sanni , while appreciating the state government and other stakeholders for their massive intervention, described Ogun State as the most peaceful in the south west, noting that herders were elated with the vaccination initiative.
Speaking,the President SCFO, Prince Segun Dasaolu commended the state government and the herders for their cooperation , disclosing that the enumeration process would reduce criminals and criminality and increase farmers productivity.
Chief Superintendent of corp, NSCDC ,Muftau Apena and a farmer from Awowo, Ewekoro ,LGA, Mrs Naomi Joye while giving there testimonies said the state government and other stakeholders interventions in farmers and herders conflict greatly reduced clashes in the the state.
