The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr. Umar Kadafur, recently inspected the ongoing Mafa RUGA Resettlement project on Tuesday.
This project is part of the state government’s efforts to develop the livestock industry.
During his tour of the project’s various sections, Dr. Kadafur explained that the visit was part of a statewide assessment of infrastructure under the newly established Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, which he oversees.
He noted that Mafa is one of three RUGA settlements in Borno, alongside those in Gubio and Askira Uba, each representing a senatorial district.
Dr. Kadafur stated that the Mafa RUGA Resettlement is scheduled for commissioning in January 2025.
He described the RUGA initiative as a national policy introduced during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to reduce conflicts between herders and farmers.
The project aims to create dedicated communities where herders can live, raise cattle, produce milk, and carry out other livestock-related activities without the need to migrate in search of grazing land.
He further explained that the policy was developed under the National Livestock Transformation Plan by the National Economic Council (NEC) to address herder-farmer disputes.
With the establishment of a Federal Ministry and Agency on Livestock Development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Borno State, led by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has also created similar institutions to enhance agricultural transformation and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Kadafur emphasized his commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and growth in the livestock sector under his leadership in the ministry.
