Osun NSCDC preaches peace, sustainable development
Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja has advised farmers, herdsmen, saw millers and all other stakeholders in the agro-allied and farming related sector on the need to co-habit peacefully.
Commandant Ocheja also advised the stakeholders to make judicious use of the alternative-dispute resolution unit of the NSCDC Osun State Command, instead of engaging themselves in violent attack and free for all.
The Commandant at a day workshop at the Command’s headquarters stressed the need for the stakeholders including farmers and herdsmen to shun the use of force to resolve disputes and implored parties involved to embrace peaceful coexistence and healthy relationships at all times.
Ocheja equally appreciated Osun State Governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola for his untiring efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful State at all times.
The Commandant also commended the Commandant- General,Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his goodwill disposition towards Osun State at all times.
The Head of Unit, Agro-Rangers Unit of Osun State command of NSCDC, Deputy Commandant Yaqeen Rafiu Olarenwaju
commended the collaboration of the Corps with the Committee on Peaceful Co-existence headed by Hon. Alhaji Mudasiru Toogun and various farmers’ associations.
Deputy Commandant Olanrewaju Stressed the importance and effectiveness of the collaborative efforts between farmers and herders to the gathering, which he noted must be sustained at all times.
He implored farmers and herdsmen to report any foul movement of strange nomadic herders to the Corps without further delay.
Speaking on the theme: “Agriculture: Viable Sector to Boost Revenue Generation in Osun State and Nigeria as a Whole,” the guest speaker, Miss Aluko Oluwaseyi Phebian highlighted the importance and diversity of agriculture.
Miss Phebian disclosed that agriculture is the backbone of the country’s economy in all ramifications.
She emphasised the importance of agriculture as a source of raw materials for many industries in Nigeria as well as providing employment opportunities for the citizenry.
The guest speaker elaborated on better ways of rearing animals to make animal husbandry, which she described as a profitable venture.
Representative of the Commissioner of Agriculture in the state, Mr Eleyele Femi also commended farmers, herders and other stakeholders for their efforts geared towards promoting peaceful co-existence among themselves.
He appreciated the efforts of constant intervention of the NSCDC and the availability of the Commandant at all times.
The representative of the Executive Governor Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Special Adviser on Security, Mrs Abiodun Ige, called for the registration of herders in the state and understanding among the stakeholders.
The head of Finance Department Central Bank of Nigeria,Osun branch, Mrs Adebayo spoke on the various intervention programmes the bank has embarked upon in the past.
speaking at the workshop, Chairman Committee on Peaceful Co-existence Hon. Mudasiru Toogun revealed that over ten thousand cases have been resolved since the inception of the committee.
Hon.Toogun recalled that despite violent clashes between the stakeholders in agricultural sector, Osun State is the only state across Nigeria that has not been engulfed by the threat as Osun is the only state with peaceful co-existence committee across the federation.
He appealed to to the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN to make provision for operational vehicles for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps especially the agro- ranger unit which deals with agricultural sector with the aim of providing physical security for investors.
Hon.Toogun maintained that this could serve as the corporate social responsibility of the bank,as states alone cannot shoulder the demands.
Stressing that this will further justify the huge investment of the central bank of Nigeria CBN into the sector.
He said “ACI” Mrs Olaoseegba Olaoye who represented the Comptroller of immigration, Osun Command, encouraged herders coming into the state to get registered as well as foreigners who come in for farming activities.
According to her, this will enable the agency to trace any offender with ease.
Representative of Ataoja of Osogbo, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade who is also the Iyaloja General of Osun State, showered encomiums on the rank and file of Osun State Command of Nigeria security and Civil Defence corps for taking the bull by horn at all times.
The Owaminran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adediran Adeyemi advocates for modern system of animal husbandry, which he noted has enhanced in improved revenue generation,employment opportunities and peaceful co-existence.
The Monarch advised the organisers of the workshop to take it to the doorstep of rural dwellers in order to impact on them positively.
Speaking earlier,the Zonal Comptroller of Federal Fire Service,Arch Clement Taiwo represented by Mr Isaac Femi cautioned hunters,farmers and herders on indiscriminate bush burning,especially as the dry season is fast approaching.
Arch Clement Taiwo stated that last year the rate of Bush burning far exceeded other types of fire occurrence in the state.
He therefore appealed to the general public to clear surroundings of their apartments, while implored farmers to burn their farmlands under strict supervision.
The Theme of the one day workshop is “Agriculture:Viable Sector, was organised by
the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, Agro- Rangers Unit in collaboration with Osun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was held at the State Headquarters of the agency on Thursday 9th December,2021and it was graced by stakeholders in the sector as well as Royal fathers among others.
