By Solomon Ewela, Benin
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said that his administration will continue to prioritize the security and well-being of the people of the state as life was needed to do other things.
The governor stated this at the inauguration of two key committees aimed at tackling pressing issues of security and land disputes in Edo State.
According to a press statement signed by by his spokesperson, the newly-formed Livestock Control Committee and the Boundary Committee underscore the Governor’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and development across the State.
The statement explained that the Governor inaugurated the Livestock Control Committee with a clear mandate to bring an end to the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers.
He reiterated that the General Cecil Esekhaigbe, rtd, led 27-man committee include Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhikhe, AVM Charles Oghomwen, Mr. Alex Oijiagba, Comrade Saturday Okhuakhua, Samuel Arabomem, Sylvanus Bawa, Mrs. Aikefe Agbavboa, Dr. Osagie Aibuedefe, SP Eneremen Sunday, Uche Nnatube, Sir Ignatius Enabulele, Ebaloghemen Godwin, Ibgnigie O. Osaheni, Hon Moses Edo, Hon Haruna Muhammed, others members are Dr Tony Ikpasaja, Oba palace representative, Onojie of Uzea, HRH Moses Akpamuka ETSU, Abdullahi Binne Danna, Adum Harun, Erhauyi Alfred Iyekekpolor, Mr. Akhimien Obomehelu and Omoh Yusuf. Mrs. Diana Emaga Idahosa will serve as the secretary.
The spokesperson, in the statement, said during the inauguration, Governor Okpebholo emphasized 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.”
Accepting the appointment, General Esekhaigbe, rtd, noted the significant responsibility placed upon the committee and appreciated the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve the state in this capacity.
“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.
General 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 a high-powered Boundary Committee, signaling a decisive move to address persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within Edo State and those bordering neighboring 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 Edo people.”
The Boundary Committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
Members of the 14-man committee include Dr. Samson Osagie, CP Monday Agbonika, Mr. Isaac Chikere, M. C. Monyei, Surv. Henry Aghedo, Sir Lucky Eseigbe, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, a representative of the Oba of Benin, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Hon. Abasi Braimah, and Hon. Patrick Ikhariale. Surv. Ozigbo Osayande Duke will serve as the secretary.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged the committee’s commitment to its crucial task.
He noted: “Mr. Governor, I want to thank you for this opportunity and deeply hold on to accept the responsibility to serve as the chairman of the newly-inaugurated boundary committee”
“On behalf of all members of this committee, I wish to express our sincere gratitude and acceptance of this responsibility, which we pledge to discharge in fairness, transparency, and integrity.”
Hon. Idahosa highlighted the committee’s objectives: “This committee will strive to carry out our mission which is to ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.”
He added: “We appreciate His Excellency for the confidence reposed in us and with the diverse expertise of these prominent citizens of this committee. I am confident that we will achieve our goal with fairness and equality. It is a privilege to contribute our quota as we are proud to serve our State and our nation with utmost dedication and professionalism.”
The establishment of both committees on the same day underscores Governor Okpebholo’s holistic approach to addressing critical challenges facing Edo State, aiming to foster an environment of peace, security, and sustainable development.
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