The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated two critical committees to tackle pressing issues of security and land disputes in the state.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, disclosed that the Livestock Control Committee and the Boundary Committee would ensure peace, stability, and development across the State.
According to the statement, the Livestock Control Committee will end the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers.
General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) will chair the 27-man committee with other members, including Ernest Afolabi Uwakhikhe, Charles Oghomwen, Alex Oijiagba, Saturday Okhuakhua, Samuel Arabomem, Sylvanus Bawa, Aikefe Agbavboa, Osagie Aibuedefe, SP Eneremen Sunday, Uche Nnatube, Ignatius Enabulele, Ebaloghemen Godwin, Ibgnigie O. Osaheni, Moses Edo, Haruna Muhammed, Tony Ikpasaja, Oba palace representative, Onojie of Uzea, Moses Akpamuka, Abdullahi Binne Danna, Adum Harun, Erhauyi Alfred Iyekekpolor, Akhimien Obomehelu and Omoh Yusuf. Diana Emaga Idahosa will serve as the secretary.
During the inauguration, Governor Okpebholo emphasised the gravity of the assignment.
He stated, “There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have especially the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clashes here and there.
“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience in the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose.”
In his acceptance speech, General Esekhaigbe acknowledged the committee’s significant responsibility.
He said: “We want to express our appreciation to you, sir, for considering us fit to take this arduous task.
“The terms of reference are very clear, and it is a reflection of one of your high points when you were coming into power as governor. I know security is one of the pillars of your five points agenda, and we all know one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.”
He outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference, which include regulating the movement of livestock within the State; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities; providing security reports to the Governor on the activities of cattle and livestock farmers within designated ranching areas; and determining and recommending permit fees and renewal fees for cattle and livestock herdsmen/owners.
Esekhaigbe concluded by pledging the committee’s dedication, “We will do our best to make sure that our assignment that has been given to us is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers areas crisis will not be a thing to mention in our dear state.”
Governor Okpebholo also inaugurated the Boundary Committee, signalling a decisive move to address persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within Edo State and those bordering neighbouring States.
The Governor underscored the urgency of this committee’s mandate. “I am happy to see this moment because communities, especially the ones that share boundaries with us, have issues that border on clear landmarks.
“We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of the Edo people.”
The Boundary Committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa.
The 14-member committee includes Samson Osagie, CP Monday Agbonika, Isaac Chikere, M. C. Monyei, Surv. Henry Aghedo, Sir Lucky Eseigbe, Emmanuel Okoebor, Paul Ohonbamu, a representative of the Oba of Benin, Patrick Obahiagbon, Abasi Braimah, and Patrick Ikhariale. Ozigbo Osayande Duke will serve as the secretary.