FUNAAB Don Worries Over Farmers/Herders Clashes,Calls For Livestock Census in Nigeria - EDU-BIZNEWS

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Wednesday, March 24, 2021

FUNAAB Don Worries Over Farmers/Herders Clashes,Calls For Livestock Census in Nigeria




A Professor of Animal Genetics at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Christian Obiora Ikeobi, has expressed worry over incessant clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria 

The university don called for an up-to-date livestock census in Nigeria, as part of measures aimed at ending the frequent clashes between farmers and herders in the country.

Prof. Ikeobi delivering a 62nd inaugural  public of the university's matriculation ceremony for the 2019/2020 academic session, emphasized the need for government at all levels to immediately find a lasting solution to the clashes that is already threatening the foundation of the Nigerian state.


The don speaking on the  Inaugural Lecture titled “Why we look at things not seen: animal genes and their winking eyes” in Abeokuta on Wednesday, however stated that outdated data on animal populations in Nigeria can no longer be relied upon.


According to him, “there is need for a full, comprehensive and up-to-date livestock census in Nigeria. We cannot continue to rely on outdated data on animal populations in Nigeria.

“There is also the need for a lasting solution to the incessant cattle herder/crop farmers’ clashes in different parts of the country and an end to the carnage and displacement of persons that have been the results of such clashes. The country cannot afford to leave this matter without lasting solution”.

The professor recommended that a center for the Conservation of Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources be established in order to conserve the indigenous animal genetic resources in Nigeria.

The don also called for the creation of new research institutes to handle specific animal species to ensure that targeted attention is focused on each animal species and to improve their contributions to the food and nutritional needs of Nigerians. 

Professor Ikeobi also pointed out the need for the establishment of Multiplication Centers for the Indigenous Animal Genetic resources with emphasis on genetic purity and breed distinctiveness.

He commended the government for establishing a distinct Department of Animal Husbandry Services at the federal level to coordinate the formulation and implementation of policies geared towards the development of the animal agriculture subsector in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Felix Salako, described the Inaugural Lecturer as an erudite scholar and commended him for his contribution to the development of the university and contribution to knowledge.

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