Gov. Zulum launches Nigeria's first cattle ranch, resettles 461 displaced families

BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched Nigeria's first-of-its-kind cattle ranch, the Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement, in Mafa Local Government Area.

The project was commissioned on Saturday by Prof. Attahiru Jega, Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee.

He praised Gov. Zulum's vision and commitment to driving economic growth and improving livelihoods through the ranch.

'I must say that I witnessed something I had never seen in our country today.

'It is highly commendable and encouraging that Borno State has shown leadership and commitment to livestock development,' Prof. Jega said.

The Ngarannam ranch, spanning four square kilometers, will provide a new home for 461 nomadic families displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Each family will receive housing, livestock, and essential food and non-food items.

The settlement features a housing estate, providing homes for the relocated families, as well as schools to ensure access to education for the community.

Health clinics, veterinary services, state-of-the-art dairy and beef upgrading centers, pasture development centers, milk collection centers, earth dams, markets, and security outposts have also been established.

The project is part of the state's efforts to provide comprehensive support to the relocated families and to promote economic growth and development in the region.

The state has also launched an Annual Animal Vaccination Scheme and is distributing livestock for livelihood restoration and economic empowerment.

While speaking, minister of livestock development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha commended Gov. Zulum's commitment to the sector.

'We appreciate your efforts in promoting livestock development in Borno State,' he said.

Deputy Governor of Borno and overseeing commissioner for the ministry of livestock and fsheries development, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, noted that Ngarannam is the first of three such ranches being developed across the state's senatorial districts, with the other two nearing completion.