Zamfara West Community Development (ZWCD) has commended former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for addressing the long-standing herders-farmers conflicts in the state through the introduction of the Rural Grazing Areas (RUGA) project.
The group’s convener, Kabiru Sabitu Gidan Goga, in a statement on Saturday, highlighted the significant impact of the RUGA initiative during Matawalle’s tenure as governor from 2019 to 2023.
Gidan Goga described the project as a standout effort aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence, rural development, and agricultural productivity.
“If we say we do not miss Dr. Bello Matawalle, then we have committed a sin against God,” Gidan Goga said, emphasizing the importance of the initiatives introduced by Matawalle’s administration.
The RUGA project, piloted in Maradun Local Government Area, Matawalle’s hometown, was designed as a comprehensive solution to the conflicts between herders and farmers.
” It incorporated modern infrastructure such as schools for the education of pastoralist and farming communities, irrigation systems to support sustainable agriculture, and veterinary clinics to enhance livestock health and productivity.
By addressing the needs of both communities, the project aimed to promote harmony, improve access to education and healthcare, and boost agricultural resources in rural areas.
“This forward-thinking approach not only resolved conflicts but also contributed to rural development, underscoring Matawalle’s commitment to peace, economic stability, and inclusive growth in Zamfara State,” Gidan Goga added.
Matawalle was succeeded by Dauda Lawal of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party after serving as governor of Zamfara State.
According to him, his legacy, particularly the RUGA initiative, continues to receive accolades for its role in addressing the critical issue of herders-farmers conflicts and fostering development in rural communities.