The Executive Chairman of Atiba Local Government area of Oyo State, Hon. Wahab Waliu Adetunji WABKEM on Tuesday hosted Farmers/Fulani- Bororo Stakeholders meeting in a bid to ensure peaceful co-existence among all the inhabitants of the local government, especially the farmers and Fulani Bororo cattle rearers.
Speaking at the crucial meeting, Hon. Wahab emphasized the need to work together for harmonious relationship among the residents, specifically the rural farmers and Fulani Bororo cattle rearers.
He lamented the frequent fracas among these people overtime which has hampered the economic development of both sides. In his words, “it’s only when we live in love and harmony that we can thrive together. Fracas and violence would only lead to loss of not only properties but also lives”, he stressed.
WABKEM who also declared that he was qualified to be referred to as a farmer both in crops and cattle rearing, said he could understand the plight of both the Farmers and their Fulani Bororo neighbours.
Hon WABKEM thereafter informed the gathering that “it is now an offence for non-indigenes not to register with the local government so that strangers could be easily identified in order to curb the incessant cases of attack on persons and destruction of farms”, he stated.
The local government boss then inaugurated the Farmers and Fulani Bororo Peaceful Co-existence Committee, charging them to see their appointment as a call to duty and to discharge their responsibilities fairly without fear or favor.
Speaking earlier at the meeting, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alh. Opeleyeru Saheed explained that the purpose of the meeting was to midwife a peaceful atmosphere in Atiba Local Government.
He, however, enjoined all to join hands with the authority in order to ensure that government efforts yield positive results for the betterment of the populace.
In their respective goodwill messages, Vice Chairman and Political Head of Sooro LCDA, Hon Ismail Olaide Badmus; Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Kayode Ademola; Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon Ajibola Afees commended the Executive Chairman and all the Stakeholders for their commitment and hoped for best results of the peace initiative.
The 16-member Committee has Hon. Wahab Waliu Adetunji as the Chairman, while members included : Chairman of Atiba Traditional Council, Baale Agbe, ALFAN Chairman, Miyetti Allah Chairman, Secretary Miyetti Allah, Chairman Fulani/Bororo, Secretary Fulani/Bororo, Representatives of Nigeria Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, Agro Rangers, DSS, Amotekun, Nigerian Hunter and Agbekoyas.
Present at the meeting were Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Yemi Oyelami; Head of Local Government Administration, Mr Peter Oladeji; Director of Finance, Alhaja Fatimo Olayiwola; Baale Agbe Atiba, Baale Onida Ogun, Baale Olokedoyin, Baale Barada Atiba and CDC Chairman among others.
