Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum spearheaded a significant initiative aimed at revitalizing the livestock sector and providing succor to communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. This initiative materialized in the form of a state-of-the-art livestock improvement and ranch settlement, unveiled in Mafa Local Government Area. The expansive project, spanning 4 square kilometers, is designed to accommodate 461 nomadic families drawn from eighteen communities ravaged by the insurgency. The Governor’s vision was to not only provide a safe haven for these displaced families but also empower them economically through livestock farming and access to essential resources. This intervention marks a pivotal step towards rebuilding lives and fostering stability in the region.
The Ngarannam ranch settlement is a comprehensive project encompassing a range of facilities designed to support a thriving livestock ecosystem. Each of the 461 families settling in the ranch received breeding pairs of cattle (bulls and heifers), goats, and a comprehensive humanitarian relief package that included crucial food and non-food items to ensure their immediate well-being. The project goes beyond simply providing livestock; it includes the development of a fully functional community. A housing estate with integrated road networks ensures convenient access and connectivity. Essential social services like schools and health clinics cater to the educational and medical needs of the residents, while veterinary services provide critical support for animal health and disease management. Furthermore, advanced dairy and beef upgrading centers are set to enhance the quality and value of livestock products, boosting economic opportunities for the families.
Beyond the immediate needs of the settlers, the Ngarannam ranch is equipped with infrastructure designed to foster sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth. Pasture development centers aim to ensure a consistent and nutritious food supply for the livestock, while milk collection centers streamline the process of gathering and processing dairy products. Recognizing the critical role of water resources, the project incorporates earth dams to secure a reliable water supply for both domestic and agricultural purposes. Local trade is encouraged through the establishment of designated markets, facilitating economic activity within the community. Crucially, security outposts have been established to guarantee the safety and security of all residents, providing a sense of stability and reassurance in a region that has experienced significant turmoil.
The unveiling of the Ngarannam ranch garnered significant attention and praise, notably from Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee. Professor Jega lauded the project as unprecedented in Nigeria, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create employment opportunities. He commended Governor Zulum’s vision and commitment to livestock development, recognizing the transformative impact such an initiative could have on the state and the nation. The project’s comprehensive approach, encompassing livestock provision, infrastructure development, and social services, was seen as a model for future livestock development initiatives across the country.
The Federal Government, represented by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, also expressed strong support for the project. Minister Maiha recognized the potential of the Ngarannam ranch to contribute significantly to addressing national food security challenges. He commended the Borno State Government’s proactive approach in tackling the issue and expressed optimism about the positive ripple effects the project would have on the lives of the beneficiaries and the broader community. The alignment of the project with national development goals related to food security and economic empowerment underscored its importance in the national context.
The Ngarannam livestock improvement and ranch settlement is not a stand-alone project but part of a broader strategy implemented by the Borno State Government to revitalize the livestock sector. Umar Usman Kadafur, the Deputy Governor and overseeing Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, revealed that the Ngarannam ranch is one of three such facilities being established across the state’s three senatorial districts. This strategic distribution aims to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities across the state, promoting inclusive development. With the Ngarannam ranch now operational and the other two nearing completion, Borno State is poised to become a leading example of how strategic investment in livestock can drive economic recovery, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security. The impact of these projects is anticipated to extend beyond the immediate beneficiaries, contributing to broader regional stability and development.
