Kwara state government is to partner federal government in its $59million agro-processing initiative to end perennial herders-farmers dispute in the state.
Speaking at the 37th Media Parliament of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, said that the agro-processing project would be funded by the Islamic Development Bank.
According to him, the initiative intended to end the practice of herders moving from one community to the other with attendant clashes with farmers and local land holders.
Ajakaye explained that the agro-processing zone is funded by Islamic Development Bank to redesign and refocus the cattle business.
He said emphasis would be on improving living standards of the herders through provisions of basic things they need such as animal feeds, water, schools for their children, healthcare and modest dwelling among others.
The governor’s spokesman said the initiative would instantly increase cattle milk production, improve their health, and end the practice of herders moving from one community to the other.
Ajakaye also said that the state government was determined to complete the Osi and Ilesha Baruba satellite campuses of the Kwara State University (KWASU) which were conceived and started by the immediate past administration.
ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
