FG urges Fulani community on Almajiri education

The Federal Government on Tuesday urged the Fulani community to take advantage of the free and qualitative education available in their localities to improve their relationship with their host communities.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Prof. Rufai Alkali, gave the advice in Abuja during a courtesy visit to his office by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers’ Association.

“Ensure that you send your children to school. Education is the liberation of all societies; it makes a lot of difference especially in your relationship with farmers, clients, and people around you.

“You must all go to school; the opportunity is now, and the transformation should begin from our own homes,” he said.

He also advised the visitors, who represented herdsmen in various regions, to live in peace with the farming community and erase the notion that they were troublemakers.

“You should re-establish the relationship that the cattle rearers gain from the farmers and the relationship that the farmers gain from the cattle rearers.

“Government is committed to ensuring lasting peace in all conflicts; retaliation is not the best form of action; always wait for government redress.”

The adviser also urged the association to educate the people on the need to get the Permanent Voter Cards and come out enmasse to vote in elections.

“There’s no shame in saying that you belong to the PDP; it is a thing of pride but you must get registered and ensure that you collect your voter cards.

Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, Hajiya Baraka Sani, also reassured the association of government’s commitment to the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme for their benefit.

“We have presented a bill to the National Assembly for grazing reserves to stop interference between the rearers and farmers.

“We also have the artificial insemination technology which encourages cross breeding. If you cross breed, the meat increases and the milk increases.

Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, President of the Association, said: “We are ready to work with the President; we are close to the grassroots. We have Fulani in all parts of the country.”

NAN reports that the association, with representatives drawn Ondo, Oyo, Lagos and other states, decorated Alkali as its Grand Patron.