Kogi pioneers cattle ranch, targets N5bn in 6 months

Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has said the pioneer ranching project in Kogi state would expedite capital inflow to the tune of N5billion in the next six months of its commencement. Governor Bello disclosed this yesterday in Lokoja, while addressing newsmen on the need to create more awareness and enlightenment on the economic benefits accruable from cattle ranching.

He noted that the project is capable of making the state the food basket of the nation, especially in the area of milk production. The governor, who is poised to leverage on the ranching project to boost the economic base of the state, further revealed that no few than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs would be created just as cottage industries such as diary, meat processing factories would thrive in the state.

“Apart from making us to live harmoniously with each other, Kogi in no distant time would become an economic hub for livestock activities through modern cattle ranching, which has the potential to attract both local and international investors.” He called on well-meaning Nigerians and Kogites to live above political sentiments and embrace the innovative way of cattle rearing, which, according to him, has long term comparative advantage to over dependence on crude oil exploitation.

The governor further noted that when operational in the state, there would be enhancement of security in the area, just as social and infrastructural development of area would be quickened by attendant inevitable economic activities. Earlier, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Kehinde Oloruntoba, disclosed that about 10,000 and 5,000 hectares of land have been marked in Ajaokuta and Adavi Local Government Areas of the state for the establishment of the pioneer cattle ranch project in the state.

Oloruntoba assured that the project will go a long way in boosting the agricultural activities of the state, adding that the issue of herdsmen/farmers crises would be permanently resolved in the state.

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