Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has officially commissioned a modern Fulani Rural Grazing Area (Ruga) settlement in Nguru Local Government Area, in a bid to curb violent clashes between farmers and herders while promoting sustainable livelihoods. 

Philanthropist Balarabe Abdullahi spearheaded this initiative, drawing attention for its focus on social amenities, youth inclusion, and climate-smart livestock management.

The Ruga community is equipped with essential social and economic infrastructure, including two-bedroom residential homes, a school, a shopping centre, a primary healthcare facility, potable water, electricity, and a mosque. 

The settlement is designed to provide pastoralists with a safe and sustainable living environment while promoting integration into the broader society.

Governor Buni highlighted that the initiative would help curb open grazing, which has historically led to the destruction of farmlands and conflict. 

“The school, clinic, healthcare facility, and housing provided for the Ruga settlement are commendable.  We appreciate these contributions on behalf of the people of Nguru, Yobe State, and Nigeria,” he said, urging others to follow suit in promoting peace and development.

Alhaji Abdullahi explained that the initiative was specifically designed to reduce conflicts by providing designated grazing areas for herders. 

The project aligns with the 2025 National Livestock Transformation Plan, under which northern states, including Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Bauchi, and Nasarawa, have mapped land for the formalisation of rural grazing settlements.

By providing structured grazing areas, the Ruga settlements support climate-smart livestock practices, improve access to education and healthcare, and encourage youth participation in agriculture. 

Source: Punch News
Image Credit: Daily Trust