The Delta State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reiterated its commitment to working more closely with the Herders-Farmers Disputes Resolution Volunteers to promote peaceful coexistence and curb conflicts in farming communities across the state.
The State Director of NOA, Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, stated this in Asaba while presenting an Award of Commendation to the National President of the Herders-Farmers Disputes Resolution Volunteers, Alhaji Mustapha Suleman, in recognition of his contributions to resolving disputes between herders and farmers.
Mrs. Ikolomi praised Alhaji Suleman for his dedication to peacebuilding through continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, as well as his consistent updates to the Agency on developments relating to herders-farmers disputes.
She assured him that the National Orientation Agency would continue to partner with the volunteer group and other stakeholders to sustain efforts aimed at fostering peace, unity and harmony across Delta State.
According to the NOA Director, every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and engage in legitimate economic activities anywhere in the country. She stressed that achieving peaceful coexistence requires tolerance and mutual respect, urging herders to avoid encroaching on farmlands while encouraging farmers and host communities to embrace dialogue in resolving disagreements.
Mrs. Ikolomi identified the lack of ranches and properly designated grazing areas as a major contributor to the recurring conflicts. She added that stronger support from local government authorities, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders would enhance ongoing conflict resolution initiatives.
She also conveyed the goodwill of the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to sustaining its collaboration with the Herders-Farmers Disputes Resolution Volunteers in the interest of lasting peace.
In his response, the National President of the Herders-Farmers Disputes Resolution Volunteers, Alhaji Mustapha Suleman, expressed gratitude for the honour and pledged to intensify efforts at mediating disputes and promoting harmonious relationships between herders and farming communities across Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the group’s readiness to continue working with government institutions, security agencies and community leaders to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives and ensure lasting stability in rural communities.
Alhaji Suleman advocated the establishment of ranches and officially designated grazing reserves as a sustainable solution to the persistent clashes between farmers and herders nationwide.
He noted that the conflicts have lingered for years because underlying issues have not been adequately addressed through long-term strategies.
Suleman, who also serves as Chairman of the Arewa Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, explained that the causes of the conflicts differ across states. He disclosed that findings by the volunteer group revealed the activities of individuals he described as “conflict entrepreneurs,” who allegedly exploit communal crises for financial gain.
He further stated that many herders continue to migrate to southern Nigeria due to the availability of greener grazing fields and a desire to settle. However, he observed that land scarcity in many host communities has heightened tensions, making it necessary for governments at all levels to establish ranches and designate grazing areas to encourage peaceful coexistence.
According to him, properly managed ranches and clearly defined grazing zones would significantly reduce disputes between farmers and herders, while boosting agricultural productivity and improving national security.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Herders-Farmers Disputes Resolution Volunteers, Mr. Epe Akpozuogha, commended the National Orientation Agency for its sustained public enlightenment efforts on issues affecting national development.
He encouraged the Agency to further strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders to promote dialogue, understanding and peaceful coexistence among communities across the country.
