Alhaji Ibrahim Nwadu, Chairman, Delta State Council for Islamic Affairs and Vice President-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the state, is a ranch owner and business man.
In this interview with Ifeanyi Omenogor, he spoke on the recent establishment of a cattle ranch in Ogwashi Uku, headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area, the first in the state and the support so far received from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Excerpts…
What benefits have you derived from the first cattle ranch in the state?
As you all know, all over the country, there have been clashes between herders and farmers. So, we are of the opinion that cattle ranch will put an end to this and we will be able to live in peace and contribute our quota to development of the country anywhere we find ourselves. This is also in compliance with government’s directive, so we must comply.
Also, this will enhance socio-economic activities of the area, by creating jobs and bringing the market closer to the people. That was why my brother, Alhaji Yunusa Gugu, commenced the establishment of the cattle ranch in Ogwashi-Uku. It is a welcome development and the choice of Ogwashi-Uku is apt because we have a lot of cattle traders here and the community is hospitable and friendly. We have been able to get a land in the community.
Are there plans to establish ranches in other parts of the state?
Surely, with this first cattle ranch in Ogwashi-Uku, in compliance with state government’s directive, we are advising our people to do same for a healthy and peaceful co-existence, because without peace, development cannot take place. I believe that very soon, there would be ranches in other communities across the state and country at large.
Do you think cattle ranching will stop farmers- herders’ clashes?
As I said earlier, it will bring about peaceful co-existence, because cows will not be grazing on farms, bushes or townships, or destroying crops and sundry farm produce. So, the rate of friction or faceoffs will reduce and we will be seeing ourselves as brothers and sisters with focus on development of society. So, I am calling on all herders and communities to embrace cattle ranching fast as it will boost their businesses and attract more development to our villages and towns.
What have been the challenges?
From my observation and experiences, distrust and misunderstanding between the herders and some communities were the major problems. But, we thank Almighty Allah, we are beginning to understand ourselves. You know in every community, we have the good, bad and ugly elements, so, such elements will be made to face the wrath of the law, so that we can live in peace and face our businesses. In a way to accelerate the establishment of more ranches, we have explained in details, the importance and benefits of cattle ranching to herders and communities in the state. So, I am using this opportunity to call on all herders in the state to comply with government’s policy and directives to ensure peaceful co- existence with their host communities. I thank God that my education of the herders on the importance of ranching yielded the first ranch in Ogwashi Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Did the state and local government assist in any way?
Yes, I must commend Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for creating an enabling environment for peaceful co-existence between Deltans and non-indigenes in the state. I can say that with his support, we have achieved this first cattle ranch and we expect more support to establish others. On behalf of the Muslim community and cattle rearers, we pledge our loyalty and support to him and assure him of our votes come 2027 general elections. I am very happy with our governor, because he has shown qualities of a great leader; he is a detribalised leader, hence he has achieved a lot already for the state. Also, I applaud the Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Hon. Jude Chukwuweike for his care and support to the Muslim faithful in the area. He is a hospitable leader.
From the beginning, he helped us; We are grateful to him. We urge the governor and the council chairman not to relent, but to continue with the good work as Almighty Allah will uplift them. I thank Chukwuweike for his giant strides in making Aniocha South peaceful and safer for all residents.
What is your personal view of the call to estaranches in the country?
Let me use this opportunity to thank one of our leaders and initiator of the cattle ranch in Ogwashi Uku. I want to give kudos to Alhaji Yunusa Gugu for adhering to the directive of federal and state governments on cattle ranching by facilitating the establishment of this cattle ranch in Ogwashi Uku. Almighty Allah will bless him with good health and more successess.
Alhaji Yunusa Gugu decided to establish the modern ranch in compliance with the directive of government as it will definitely bring about total peace between the herders and farmers and we commend him and others who supported the project.
Do you have any messages for the herders?
All must embrace peace, but let me thank them for their hardwork and urge them to embrace modern cattle ranching and always see ourselves as one family. Therefore, we must avoid anything that will cause breach of peace.
They must be loyal and support the governor and the council chairman to sustain the existing peace and development.
