Zamfara Govt To Import Goats, Cows From South Africa, Norway

Arrangements have been concluded by Zamfara State government to import goats and cows from South Africa and Norway as part of its efforts to develop RUGA settlements in the state.

This was announced by Governor Bello Matawalle in Kaura-namoda during the stakeholders training and step down mobilisation on RUGA Development organised by Rahusa Ventures, sponsored by Senator Sahabi Yau Kaura.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner of Forestry and Livestock Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi said the animals would be kept at RUGA in Maradun Local Government Area to serve as a model as part of the state government’s efforts in developing RUGA settlements.

“We have since placed an order and the animals would arrive in the state soon,” he said.

Matawalle said the sum of N2.4 billion was spent on the construction of RUGA in Maradun Local Government Area, adding that it was almost in completion stage.

He stressed that a total sum of N8.6 billon was earmarked for the construction of three RUGA settlements in the three Senatorial Zones in the state.

Speaking at the occasion, the consultant for the workshop, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada said the workshop was aimed at training the stakeholders on how to develop their own grazing lands in order to avoid a clash with Fulani herders.

He said, “250 participants were selected from the three local government areas of Zamfara North Senatorial Zone who are mainly farmers, herders, traditional and political leaders”.

Maiwada said by the time the stakeholders were able to organise their own grazing lands, the issue of Fulani herders clash, banditry and cattle rustling would be minimised or be completely wiped out.

He commended Senator Sahabi Yau for organising the workshop as part of his constituency project, calling on all the politicians in the state to emulate him.