HAUSA VERSION OF THE OPEN GRAZING PROHIBITION AND RANCHES ESTABLISHMENT LAW PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC
UNVEILING OF HAUSA VERSION OF THE OPEN GRAZING PROHIBITION AND RANCHES ESTABLISHMENT LAW
Erdoo Due
Following the enactment of the OPEN GRAZING PROHIBITION AND RANCHES ESTABLISHMENT LAW 2017 by the Benue State Government, International Centre for Peace, Charities and Human Development (INTECEP) with the support of Peace Direct and Peace Initiative of Nigeria has made the law easier for more readers. The organization has translated the Law into the Hausa language.
The Hausa version was unveiled Thursday, 2nd July,2020 in an event at Steam Lounge, Makurdi, with stakeholders including the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Makurdi Traditional Council and the Benue State Police Command. Other stakeholders included the Nigerian Bar Association- Makurdi Branch, Makurdi Local Government and CAN-Benue State.
Civil society groups including Civil Organization Research Advocacy and Funding Initiative Development (CORAFID), Search for Common Ground, Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Nigeria Aid Group, Jama’atu Nasril Islam(JNI), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria(MACBAN), Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiative (CLHEI) and All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) among others, were part of the occasion.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Nathaniel Awuapila, Executive Director CORAFID, appreciated all present and acknowledged the partnership of INTERCEP in peace building. He stated that the Hausa version of the law as presented is a right step at the right time.
Also, the Executive Director, INTERCEP Clement Iornongu Esq said, “today marks a milestone towards making Benue a peaceful state, fit for peaceful co-existence and community strengthening. One of the primary responsibilities of every government is to make laws for peace, order and good governance. In order to forestall the intractable farmer/herder clashes, which had resulted in wanton destruction of lives and property, the open grazing prohibition law was enacted and in an attempt to put this law at the doorsteps of the critical stakeholders, INTERCEP has translated the law into Hausa Language for easy understanding and smooth implementation, with support of Peace Direct and Peace Initiative of Nigeria (PIN), after a community dialogue and sensitization that involved NGOs facilitated by Nathaniel Awuapila of CORAFID.”
Iornongu further stated that with this, it is believed the problem is 90% solved .He enjoined all stakeholders in the state to continue dialogue so that concerns of all involved will be tackled, for the purpose of peace in Benue State.
Goodwill messages were taken from various organizations and stakeholders present. Christian Association of Niheria, represented by Rev. Ugbede appreciated INTERCEP for the effort, stating that there was awareness about the law, but many persons have not set eyes on any document containing it. He appealed that the law be translated into more languages for wider reach.
Commisioner of Police, represented by Achinyam Fera said, “with this I expect and believe that the cattle breeders will understand the law, so, when arrested, complaints will not be entertained. This is also of great economic importance, as creation of ranches will provide employment opportunity for the youths.”
NBA Chairman, Justine Gbagir Esq calls for more sensitization and enforcement as the law does not only involved cattle but all livestock. He pledged NBA’s support and partnership with INTERCEP and other organizations to enhance the law thus promoting peace.
Acting TER Makurdi, HRH Clement Kulugh said he believed the bold step will enhance peace, as he called on INTERCEP to publish more copies; to reach more people.
MACBAN’s Mallam Ibrahim Galma said “the translation of the law will give us a better understanding and clear knowledge of evidence and administration of the law.”
On his part, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, represented by the Director Livestock Dr. Edward Amali said, INTERCEP’s activities in the state are well noticed; it is a great initiative by the organization that has the capability of improving relationship, livestock management and production. He further thanked all contributing organizations for supporting INTERCEP. He also advised all cattle breeders and livestock owners to appreciate the law. To him, “the translation is here so you can read and make use of it.”
Vote of thanks was delivered by Frank Mbashinya, representative of Makurdi Local Government Chairman
The NGOs are working tirelessly to ensure a peaceful coexistence between farmers/herders; propagating related laws and exploring all peace architecture initiatives for communal living.
Detailed report. Thank you.