Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has inaugurated the Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement in Mafa Local Government Area, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at restoring livelihoods and fostering economic growth in the state.
During the unveiling ceremony, which was attended by dignitaries such as former INEC Chairman Atahiru Jega and Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Governor Zulum revealed that the 4-square-kilometer facility was developed for 461 nomadic families displaced by Boko Haram insurgency. Each family received livestock, including bulls, heifers, and goats, as well as essential relief items.
The state-of-the-art project boasts extensive infrastructure, including residential housing, schools, clinics, veterinary services, and dairy production centers. Additionally, it features earth dams for water supply, milk collection facilities, and security outposts to ensure safety. The project also includes markets to stimulate local trade and pasture development centers to sustain livestock farming.
Former INEC Chairman Jega lauded the initiative as transformative, describing it as the first of its kind in Nigeria. “This initiative showcases the vision and leadership required to drive economic growth, restore livelihoods, and create employment opportunities,” he remarked.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Maiha, praised the project’s potential to address food security challenges in Nigeria. “This initiative will not only benefit the people of Borno State but also contribute to tackling the nation’s food security issues,” he said.
Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur, who also oversees the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, revealed that two similar ranch settlements are nearing completion in the other senatorial districts of Borno. “These centers symbolize our commitment to sustainable development, peaceful coexistence, and economic empowerment,” he said.
