By Faith Awa Maji, Katsina
KATISNA State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari has approved the sum of over three billion naira for cattle ranches in the 10 frontline Local Government Areas bedeviling by insecurity.
The Special Adviser to Gov Masari on Livestock and Forest Reserves, Dr Lawal Bagiwa made the disclosure to journalists at Government House, Katsina shortly after the fourth 2022 State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.
The 10 Local Government areas include, Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Dutsinma, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Danmusa, Kurfi and Kankara and three hundred and five million naira (306mn) each allocated for the project.
He explained that the first phase of the developing project was part of the State government’s commitment aimed at curbing security challenges bedeviling the 10 local government areas.
Dr. Lawal again noted that 14 physical structures would also be provided in each of the 10 LGAs.
“If you could remember, Masari sometime ago went round those frontline areas and discussions were made. Some of their complaints were about lack of hospitals, schools, veterinary hospitals, grazing reserves, as well as abattoirs, among others.
“After that, the Federal government was briefed on the development, since the State could not afford to do it alone. That was why President Buhari supported us with over N6 billion.
“After receiving the funds, we advertised for the consultants that specialize in that area to help us in the development of the ranches.
“Thereafter, discussions were held with stakeholders from the benefiting LGAs on the needs and where the ranches could be located,” Bagiwa added.
“Today, we approved 24 physical structures in each of the LGAs, which include hospitals, normadic schools, veterinary hospitals and milk collection centres.
“Other structures include solar boreholes, resting points for the herdsmen, mosques, abattoirs and others. I wish to inform you that the second phase of the project is the development of pastures for which we intend to use about 100 hecters of land in each of the LGAs.
“The third phase is going to be the establishment of earth dams for the dry season farming in those areas,” according to Masari aide.
In 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved over N6.2 billion for the establishment of cattle ranches in the State which Gov Masari made announcement that the said money had already been transferred into the State treasury.
