By Ola Asubiojo
The Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Igede-Ekiti, has inaugurated a balanced Committee on Mediation and Conflict Resolution Between Farmers and Herders, in a strategic move to strengthen peaceful coexistence, safeguard agricultural livelihoods, and promote sustainable food production across the Local Government Area.
The inauguration, held on Wednesday at the Local Government Secretariat, reflects the administration’s commitment to proactive conflict management, stakeholder collaboration, and the protection of the interests of farmers, herders, and host communities.
The Committee is chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, while the Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs. Adeyinka Bukola, serves as Secretary.
The Executive Chairman,Hon Oluwatuyi,in his pragmatic and proactive welcome vibes,emphasis that the relevance of setting up the committee, and it’s inauguration is “establish a credible and structured platform for dialogue, mediation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes between farmers and herders”, hence, by addressing grievances promptly, the committee will help prevent avoidable clashes,protect lives and properties, strengthen community security and foster mutual understanding amongst stakeholders.
Hon Oluwatuyi said besides the overleaf vibes, the need to safeguard farmlands, livestock and agricultural livelihoods to enhance Agricultural productivity and strengthen for security, to enable the two relevant stakeholders to contribute to the IILG economic stability, and sustainable agriculture development in Igede and Awo Ekiti.
The inauguration brought together representatives of security agencies, traditional institutions, farmers’ associations, herders, and agricultural institutions, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the persistent challenges associated with farmer-herder relations.
Among the dignitaries present were the representative of the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, the Obaila of Igede-Ekiti, Chief Akomolafe Olakunle; the Divisional Police Officer, Igede Division, SP Odetola Samson, representing the Nigeria Police Force; the Community Security Coordinator, representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; CSP Durodaye Joseph Oluwakayode; and the Commandant of Amotekun, Igede Division.
Other stakeholders included the leader of the herders in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government; a representative of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN); the Divisional Head of the Forest Guards; a veterinary officer from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; and an Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension officer.
The Committee is expected to serve as a vital platform for constructive dialogue, timely intervention, and peaceful settlement of disputes between farmers and herders.
The HLA, Mrs Akinbobola Deborah -Bosede in her brilliant and professionally inclined submission, enthused..
“Through effective mediation and sustained engagement, it is also expected to help prevent avoidable confrontations, strengthen community security, and encourage mutual understanding among stakeholders.”
She equally emphasize that::Beyond conflict resolution, the initiative carries significant implications for agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and food security.
Mrs Adeyinka Bukola, the secretary cum Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources,in her charismatic and organic, humane submission said that,by promoting peaceful access to farmlands and grazing routes, where legally and mutually agreed, the Committee can help reduce disruptions to farming activities, protect investments in agriculture, and create a more stable environment for food production and economic growth.
The inauguration therefore represents a significant step towards building a more coordinated and inclusive approach to conflict prevention in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.
It further highlights the importance of responsive local governance in addressing issues that directly affect the safety, economic wellbeing, and peaceful coexistence of rural communities.
With sustained commitment from the Committee members, security agencies, traditional institutions, farmers, and herders, the initiative is expected to advance a culture of dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over division, and peaceful coexistence as a foundation for sustainable agricultural development across the Local Government Area.
