Ranching Is Private Business – Makinde

Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, has said that since Oyo State regards ranching as a private business, his administration would not provide land to be used for ranching for free.

He said this while he clarified a social media post which caused a stir on Tuesday. The governor had said that Oyo State would implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan which was being implemented in Kwara State.

Carol Ukocha said, “They changed RUGA to National Livestock Transformation Plan, can’t you read between the lines? I hope you have a rethink. You cannot afford to fail your people. This decision is unintelligent please.”

Gbolahan Phillips said, “Nothing wrong in Livestock Transformation Plan except the word ” National”. We are a state under the FRN, we can rear cows but let it be state based controlled and managed by the indigenes of the state. Encourage our people to go into it. Never allow the north to dictate to you.”

Olufunke Ali said, “I hope the National Livestock Transformation Plan is not the same RUGA if yes, Mr. Governor please tread with caution.”

Makinde in a later tweet said he did not mean “a wholesale implementation”.  He said, “My attention has been drawn to this tweet regarding the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan during the joint security meeting, yesterday.

“For the avoidance of doubt, when I said we would implement the plan, I didn’t mean a wholesale implementation. We will be taking aspects which are beneficial for our state. As I have stated on several occasions, our position in Oyo State is that ranching is a private business and should be carried out as such. Our admin won’t be providing land for free to private investors for ranching.”