By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Ogun State government has engaged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development on sustainable conflict resolution and livestock development.

The engagement, which took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders and as well strengthen food security in the State.

The Ogun State delegation, which was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, Hadi Sani met with the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Muktar Maiha, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajibola Ajimobi.

During the meeting, Sani highlighted the challenges which the farmers/herders conflicts pose to food security in the State and emphasized the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution.

While presenting the proactive measures already implemented by the State government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Sani noted that the government had established a peacebuilding mechanism to foster harmony between farmers and herders throughout the State.

He said the peacebuilding committee has been on standby to address early warning signs of conflict situations to avoid escalations in major settlements.

He said, “This deliberate effort has earned Ogun State the appellation of ‘one of the most peaceful coexistence states in Nigeria.”’

He added that this committee actively monitors early warning signs of conflict, intervening promptly to prevent escalation. This initiative has contributed to Ogun State’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria regarding farmers-herders relations.

Hadi said the Minister shares the developmental plan of fermers/herders conflict resolution and Livestock Development .

“We jointly set modalities of implementation while we upscale the engagement.”