Farmers and herdsmen in the South-West have signed a peace agreement on Saturday to stop fighting and improve food security for everyone.
Segun Dasaolu, the Coordinator of Commodities Farmers Organisation in the South-West, and Othman Ngelzarma, the President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, signed the peace pact at a Commodities Farmers Organisation Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Saturday.
The summit's theme is 'Sustainable Food Production in South-West Nigeria: The Way Forward.'
Dasaolu and Ngelzarma stated separately while signing the agreement that it was necessary to ensure peace in the zone and Nigeria as a whole.
Dasaolu mentioned that the summit aims to get South-West farmers back to the farm and enhance food security in the country. The summit brings together farmers and herders from the six states in this region to find solutions to challenges faced by both groups and to seek government support, policy formulation, and assistance.
Dasaolu said, "We have agreed to end farmers/herders clashes. The first step is to identify genuine herders in the South-West and collect data about them."
Ngelzarma, the President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, stated, "Without peace, nothing works. So, we will collaborate with farmers to improve food security in Nigeria and help expose kidnappers in the South-West and Nigeria as a whole."
Former Oyo State Governor Chief Rashidi Ladoja and Iyaloja General Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of President Bola Tinubu, were among the prominent Nigerians who witnessed the signing of the peace pact.
