By Ayodele Oni
The Ekiti State Government has revealed that despite the enactment of anti- grazing law in the state, its implementation has not been possible.
Government blamed this on inability on neighbouring states to either enact such law or refuse to implement it.
Special Adviser to the Governor on security matters, Ebenezer Ogundana disclosed this when he represented the Governor at a training programme on prevention and resolution of incidence of farmers-herders conflict in Ado Ekiti.
The training was in partnership with the World Bank and the Global Peace Development which rallied stakeholders to seek enduring peace between the farmers, herders and the host communities.
Speaking at the event, Ekiti State Governor, Oyebanji, said that efforts have been made to resolve the crises between the herders and farmers and the host communities, adding that some external factors are working against the peace efforts.
Oyebanji said “that is why we have brought together herders, farmers, and other stakeholders to dialogue and come up with ideas that will give enduring peace. It will help the government to make necessary policies.”
He noted that though there is anti grazing laws in Ekiti State, but its implementation has been difficult for the state because “we have challenges with neighbouring states.
“With this event, we know how to work around the anti grazing laws and make it functional to ensure that farmers and herders can live together in peace.”
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Global Peace Development and Team Leader for the programme, Ebruke Onajite Esike, said the purpose of the training is to promote culture of peace.
According to him the programme is, “To transform the conflicts to peaceful resolution in the state, as well as to employ all warning tips to promote culture of tolerance so that businesses can improve and there will be food security.
“This is the second state, the Global peace have done it for Edo State. We are also learning how people cope with the incidences of herder-farmer clashes and how best we can ensure a peaceful environment as Nigerians.
President All Farmers Association of Nigeria(AFAN), Ekiti State Chapter, Mr Alagbada Ademola, said that herders -farmers conflicts have created challenges to food security because farmers can’t go to farm anymore.
“It has caused devastating effects and reduced outputs. We thank the organisers for involving critical stakeholders to come and discuss the way forward.
“The factors that has led to the loss of lives is a national issue. We have to be frank and sincere ourselves no matter whose ox is gored.”
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade said the farmer-herder conflict is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach.
“It is not just about clashes between two groups; it is about understanding the underlying issues, which include competition for resources due to global warming. cultural differences, and environmental degradation.
“Across the nation, we have seen the impact of the conflicts firsthand, which had led to devastating consequences such as loss of lives, displacement, and economic instability.”
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