Agriculture

Osun Gov. signs anti-open grazing bill 24hrs to another meeting in Enugu

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Barely 24 hours to the meeting of the southern governors’ coming up in Enugu State Governmemt House on Thursday, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has signed the anti-open grazing bill into law in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ismail Omipidan confirmed that Governor has signed the anti-open grazing bill into law.

Osun Assembly passed the bill to regulate animal grazing and establishments of cattle ranches and other related matters.

Speaker Owoeye

At the plenary, the Speaker, Timothy Owoeye, noted that the bill when passed will prevent the destruction of farms, crops by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

In the words of the Chief Press Secretary, Omipidan, he said: “Mr Governor has signed the anti-open grazing bill into law immediately the bill was transmitted from the House of Assembly to the office of his Excellency.

“We have notified the security agencies that will enforce the law in every part of the state, so, it is a crime to practice open grazing in Osun state.

“Osun State is one of the most peaceful states in the country, we have fewer challenges of herders invading People’s farm to destroy the crop or attacking farmers because we had in place Committee on Peaceful Co-Existence between Fulani/Bororo and Crop Farmers led by Hon Mudasiru Toogun to foster peace between these communities.

“Before enacting this law, we have summoned stakeholder meeting to deliberate on the matter and we have enlightened the herders in the state on the benefit of embracing ranching system. We have made provisions for the practice of ranching through the ministry of agriculture.”

He added that the law will prevent killings, sexual molestation, protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

“Any person or group who contravenes the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to terms of imprisonment of not less than 3 years without the option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of Cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government.

“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.

“A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300,000.00 only.”

He noted that the conveyance of livestock on foot from one destination to another in the State is prohibited, except such movement is by Rail Wagon or Truck or pick-up wagon and is within 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.