Why Buhari regime’s 109 farm estates differ from RUGA, ranches: Official
Paul Ikonne, the Executive Secretary of the National Land Development Authority (NALDA), says the establishment of 109 farm estates by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime differs from RUGA and herders’ ranches.
Mr Buhari directed NALDA to establish integrated farm estates in all the 109 senatorial districts to boost food production.
Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, had in a statement by its spokesman, Jare Ajayi, allegedly accused the regime of attempting to bring back the rejected cattle colony and RUGA through the establishment of the farm estates.
”Well, it is unfortunate. It’s not another type or anything that has to do with Ruga. The Integrated Farm Estate, the president, mandated us to put it in all the 109 Senatorial Districts,” said the NALDA boss, who spoke to State House correspondents at Owerri International Cargo Airport on Friday. ”After commissioning that of Daura, meaning he saw the productive nature, the impact that project will make. The project is meant for the community, to develop the community. What we have inside is poultry, fishery and for those who are doing piggery – piggery.”
He stated that comparing the farm estates to RUGA or cattle ranches “is meant to mislead people as a result of lack of understanding, so to say.”
He explained that the integrated farm estate was designed to accommodate youths to engage in the “entire agricultural value chain.”
“It depends on what the community is known for and what the community is interested in going into. Some states are getting poultry, cows, like in the North; in the South, like Abia, they are doing fishery and rabbit rearing,” Mr Ikonne said. “In Oyo, we already have rabbit rearing and crop farming. In Ekiti state as well, we have crop farming. So it depends on the environment, and it has nothing to do with RUGA at all. It’s purely for development, and to engage the youths and for the benefit of the immediate community. That is what the integrated farming estate stands for.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Health
Governor Otu provides N100 million to improve nutrition in Cross River
Mr Otu said the move would increase food production, availability, accessibility, and affordability in Cross River.
Faith
Police arraign two teenagers for stealing phone from mosque
The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 287, 411, and 308 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
World
G7 warns Israel, Iran against escalation, reaffirms support for Ukraine
The G7 also maintained steadfast support for Ukraine over two years after Russia’s invasion.
States
UNICEF tasks Kano, Jigawa, Katsina on improved primary healthcare
He stressed the need for the governments of the three states to ensure an integrated package of primary health services for families in one functional health facility.
States
Driver arrested for ‘cramming’ 15 children into car in Lagos
Mr Hundeyin said the driver, who was contracted to transport the children to a beach, locked four in the car trunk and crammed 11 others together in the vehicle.
Rights
Okuama Killing: Army releases detained traditional ruler
“While culpability has not been conclusively established against the traditional ruler, there is insufficient evidence to exonerate anyone at this stage,” said the army.