Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring calm and safe environment across the state, assuring residents that necessary measures are being strengthened to forestall any breach of peace before, during and after the festive season.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters , Brig- General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting of Farmers/Herders Peace Committee in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.
He said the meeting was part of the proactive measures of the state government to promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among communities.
General Ogundana explained that the meeting which serves as an interface between farmers and herders with the aim of preventing conflicts and enhancing collaboration in the interest of peace and security was particularly important at this time in view of the expected influx of cattle into the South-West during the yuletide season, compounded with the fact that the festive season coincided with harvest season, making farmlands more vulnerable.
While stressing that such movement and activities, if not properly managed could heighten tensions in rural communities, Gen. Ogundana assured that the state government would continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure peaceful celebrations and protection of lives and livelihoods across the state.
The Special Adviser, also commended Governor Oyebanji for his proactive measures in addressing security challenges across the state, noting that the Governor’s inclusive approach and timely intervention have continued to promote peace and stability in the state.
“The essence of this meeting is to bring together stakeholders as far as security of Ekiti state is concern and as far as farming activities is concern and the herdsmen, this committee was set up by the Governor to interface with farmers and herders and looking at the situations around the state and we are also entering yuletide season signifying the movement of cattle from the North to the South and at the same time it is the harvesting period when we sometimes have crises between farmers and herders.
“So, we felt it is necessary to bring all stakeholders together so that we will discuss on how we can move forward and live together in peace and also identify people that are coming to do bad business in our midst”. he stated.
