By George George Idowu
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) on Tuesday, appealed to the 19 Northern states government to buy and distribute livestock feed to pastoralists as aid for palliatives.
This plea was made known in a statement made available to newsmen by the National President of KACRAN, Hon Khalil Bello, KACRAN’s appeal was made on the heels of the Federal Government’s laudable disbursement of N50 billion towards the Pulaaku initiative, a campaign championed by President Bola Tinubu to fortify the livestock sector and enhance the conditions for Nigerian pastoralists.
Part of the statement reads: “As the primary beneficiaries of government initiatives aimed at advancing livestock development, KACRAN implores the Northern State Governments to participate actively by acquiring and distributing critical animal feed to pastoralists within their jurisdictions.”
The KACRAN leader further noted that the reappointment of the diligent members of the North East Development Commission (NEEC)’s Management Board is a testament to the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the region devastated by Boko Haram, ensuring continued support services to impacted communities.
His words: “The rationale for this appeal is rooted in several vital points which are: President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting the livestock sector, intending to improve security in the Northern regions and alleviate the hardships of our citizens; The strategic reappointment of NEDC members illustrates the Federal Government’s intent to enhance herding practices and benefit the Nigerian populace comprehensively; With the NLC’s primary focus on workers’ rights, “ adding that KACRAN underscores the necessity to speak up for the silent livestock population, which is integral to the nation’s national interest.
Bello went further saying, “Livestock lacks the ability to communicate distress. They require our stewardship to ensure their needs are met and considered by government policies.”
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He said the repercussions of oil subsidy removal have been pronounced for livestock adding that it surpasses the impact on human populations.
“The health and upkeep of livestock are inextricably linked to the welfare of humans, emphasizing the importance of holistic palliative measures,” he said.
“The scarcity of animal feed, a by-product of human food processing, is exacerbated by current culinary practices aimed at minimizing waste; Livestock are entitled to rights and privileges, paralleling those of humans, and should be included in welfare considerations,” Bello declared.
He noted that preventing a decline in the national livestock population necessitates inclusive palliative actions by all government tiers, particularly in the Northern region, a key livestock stronghold.
While applauding the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for their 2022 initiative, he called on the 19 Northern Governments to secure and distribute feeds such as wheat bran/offal, feedlot/compounded feed, cotton seed cake, soya beans cake, palm kernel cake, salt lick and molasses.
KACRAN urged the Northern Governments to acknowledge the profound connection between the prosperity of the livestock sector and the overall health of the nation.
“By providing these much-needed palliatives, we can ensure the resilience and sustainability of the pastoral way of life, which is a cornerstone of our culture and economy,” Bello noted.
