By: Lanre Shodimu
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, made this known during an interactive session with journalists in Ibadan, where he combined a message of goodwill for the Sallah celebration with updates on the government’s livestock development agenda.
Ajimobi described Eid al-Adha as a season that goes beyond religious observance, offering an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values of sacrifice, compassion, peace and service to humanity.
According to him, the lessons of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and faith remain relevant to a nation seeking unity amid economic and social challenges.
He commended Nigerians for their resilience and urged citizens to continue fostering peaceful coexistence regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.
Beyond the festive message, Ajimobi used the occasion to outline ongoing reforms in the livestock sector, a critical component of the Federal Government’s food security strategy.
Central to the reforms is the revival and modernization of grazing reserves and ranches across the country. He disclosed that work has already commenced on the Kawu Grazing Reserve in Abuja, one of the pilot projects aimed at introducing modern ranching systems and improving livestock management practices.
According to him, the initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development and seeks to address longstanding challenges associated with open grazing while reducing recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
Ajimobi explained that the government is currently conducting a nationwide audit of ranches and the country’s 417 grazing reserves to determine which facilities can be rehabilitated and upgraded before establishing new ones.
He stressed that training livestock farmers alone would not be sufficient without providing the infrastructure necessary for modern livestock production.
The strategy, he noted, combines capacity building with investments in grazing infrastructure, ranch development and improved animal husbandry systems.
While acknowledging the enormity of the task, particularly given the vast size of many grazing reserves, Ajimobi expressed confidence that ongoing partnerships with private-sector investors and international development partners would accelerate implementation.
The livestock adviser also linked the reform agenda to the broader goal of improving nutrition and food availability across Nigeria.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration envisions a future where every Nigerian child has access to at least a sachet of milk and one egg daily as a minimum nutritional benchmark.
According to him, the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development underscores the administration’s determination to unlock the economic potential of the sector while addressing malnutrition and food insecurity.
On security concerns affecting farming communities and forested areas, Ajimobi argued that addressing kidnapping, banditry and related crimes requires a collaborative approach involving government, security agencies and local communities.
He noted that criminal activities often thrive in environments characterised by poverty and weak community engagement.
To complement military operations, he advocated increased community participation, including the engagement of local residents in ranger and surveillance initiatives capable of supporting security efforts in rural areas.
Ajimobi also highlighted growing international interest in Nigeria’s livestock industry, pointing to several major investment agreements secured by the Federal Government.
Among them are a $1.5 billion investment deal involving JBS, the world’s largest beef processor, a livestock and agriculture cooperation agreement with France, and a £100 million dairy production and processing partnership signed during President Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom.
He further disclosed that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in importing Nigerian bovine red meat, with discussions ongoing to facilitate future exports.
Industry observers view such investments as critical to modernising livestock value chains, creating jobs and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in regional and international livestock markets.
Ajimobi maintained that with sustained investment, improved infrastructure and stronger stakeholder collaboration, the livestock sector can become a major contributor to economic diversification and rural development.
Addressing political developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he dismissed concerns over internal disagreements, insisting that the party remains united under President Tinubu’s leadership.
He acknowledged that electoral contests and party primaries often generate dissatisfaction but urged party members to prioritise collective interests over personal ambitions.
As the Eid celebrations continue, Ajimobi concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity and national progress, expressing hope that the season’s message of sacrifice and compassion would inspire greater unity among Nigerians.
His remarks underscore the growing importance of livestock development within Nigeria’s economic and food security agenda, reflecting the government’s belief that modern agriculture and livestock reforms will play a pivotal role in feeding a growing population while promoting peace and prosperity across the country.
