By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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Stakeholders in Ondo state have submitted that a bill to regulate the rearing and grazing of livestock in the state will bring about relative peace as well as ensuring food sufficiency.
They stated this in Akure during a public hearing on a Bill to Regulate the Rearing and Grazing of Livestock , to Provide for the Establishment of Ranches and other Related Matters held at the conference room of the State House of Assembly.
The Miyetti Allah Breeders Association of Nigeria said that it is tired of open grazing in the State, calling on government to make provision for ranches in putting an end to frequent crises between herdsmen and farmers.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Bello Garba, assured that the association was ready to be part of any peaceful move in the state, adding that farmers and herdsmen must carry out their duties without clashing.
According to him, the association is fully ready for the state government to register them in every local council area of the state.
Also, the Secretary of the association, Ibrahim Abdul-rahman explained that open grazing is obsolete and needed to be banned.
Applauding the move, the Chairman of the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA),Mr Gbenga Obaweya, said that it is a step in the right direction, adding that a foundation had been made and it would be built upon.
Oleyelogun added that if a similar move had been carried out in the past, it would have been a different story today.
In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Mr Taofik Mohammed, said that the importance of the bill could not be overemphasized, hence the need for the hearing.
Mohammed noted that one of the cardinal roles of the bill was to achieve a virile and peaceful atmosphere.
He added that the bill is attached to human survival, considering the frequent fracas between farmers and herdsmen which has resulted in loss of lives and property in the state.
Also reacting, Mr Akin Olotu, the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to the state governor, posited that the bill is for justice and fairness.
The Olubaka of Oka, in Akoko South/West area of the state, Oba Yusuf Adeleye averred that there is no way to manage open grazing with agriculture in a modern society.
Oba Adeleye, who applauded the public hearing, stated that the gathering was meant for the peace of the state, saying that ,” we are to make a headway because we disagree to agree,” he stated.
The Asarun of Isarun in Ifedore Local Council Area of the state, Oba Joseph Adebobola also noted that if the past government had taken the step, there would not have been any record of crisis between farmers and herders.
During the hearing, various organisations, agencies, Non Governmental Organizations pointed out grey areas of the bill that needed amendment, while the house committee have promised to ensure a robust bill.