By Adadareporters
Two Igbo groups, American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and World Igbo Congress (WIC), Friday, cautioned against moves to establish a cattle ranch in Enugu State.
The Igbo groups, in a letter signed by Dr Sir Festus Okere, chairman of WIC, and Dr Sylvester Onyia, president of AVID, said the cattle ranch might have dire consequences on Igbo values and welfare.
They referred Gov Mbah to the cattle ranch established by former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and warned against the repeat of such in Enugu State.
The groups, in a letter entitled “Concerns Regarding the Establishment of a Cattle Ranch in Enugu State”, said, “We have
become aware of plans to establish a cattle ranch in the state, which has prompted our joint communication. We express our collective disapproval and lack of endorsement for such initiatives
within your jurisdiction.
“Drawing on the experience of a similar programme initiated by former
Governor Orji Uzo Kalu of Abia State, which failed to deliver the anticipated economic benefits, we urge caution.
“Recent unsettling reports of over 80 casualties near the Lokpanta
cattle market, presumed to be Igbo natives, further underscore our concerns. Cattle ranching,
being a private enterprise, does not align with the ethos of Igbo land.”
Stating that cattle herders “are often associated with violence and disorder”, the Igbo groups said any cattle ranch in the state could have dire consequences to the Igbo values of equality and freedom within democratic societies”.
According to the letter, “It is imperative to avoid actions that might compromise our people’s autonomy and resilience.
AVID and WIC implore you to seek prudent guidance to safeguard our homeland against potential threats and encroachment disguised as ranching activities.
“We offer our collaboration to enhance the safety and well-being of Enugu State residents and the wider southeast region. As custodians of Igbo heritage, we urge you to protect every inch of our
ancestral land from external influences.”
The groups observed that no part of Nigeria has allocated land for Igbo settlements or enterprises, adding that, “Regions in the North boast vast expanses of land suitable for ranching purposes.”
They advised Gov Mbah to “prioritize essential governance aspects such as education, infrastructure, reliable power supply, and poverty alleviation for the benefit of Enugu State’s populace”.
