In a moving show of trust and collaboration, the Birin Fulani community of Nafada Local Government paid a courtesy visit to the Gombe State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project Implementation office, expressing gratitude for recent interventions while calling for sustained government attention to their unique challenges.

 

Led by their District Head, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Babagoro, the delegation was warmly received by the Gombe State L-PRES Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, who used the occasion to reaffirm the state government’s commitment under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to uplift rural and pastoral communities.

 

“His Excellency’s livestock transformation plan is not just about infrastructure—it’s about giving dignity back to the rural livestock keepers whose livelihoods have long been overlooked,” Prof. Abubakar said.

 

In the past year alone, the L-PRES project has drilled over 60 solar-powered boreholes in strategic locations across the state, directly addressing one of the most persistent challenges herders face: access to clean water for their animals.

 

Prof. Abubakar explained that water scarcity has historically triggered tensions between farmers and pastoralists. By making water readily available, the state is not only improving animal health and productivity but also fostering peaceful coexistence among communities.

 

Beyond water, the Project Coordinator noted that cattle routes and grazing reserves are being re-demarcated, while two major earth dams within the Wawa-Zange reserve have been rehabilitated, reviving a critical lifeline for herders in the region. Plans are also underway to reticulate water from the Kupto River, ensuring year-round access to clean water for livestock and irrigation purposes.

 

The Coordinator emphasized that peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers remains the bedrock of progress in the sector. He assured the delegation that their request would be given priority as new project phases unfold.

 

“L-PRES is here for you. This is your project, and we will continue to advocate for your needs. Let us remain united, peaceful, and focused on building a better future together.”

 

Ealier speaking, the District Head Adamu Babagoro conveyed the community’s appreciation for the solar-powered borehole installed in Biri Fulani, describing it as a “game-changer” for pastoralists who are permanent settlers and those who migrate from neighboring states like Yobe and Borno.

“This borehole is located at a key crossing point for thousands of cattle. It’s saving lives – both human and animal,” he said.

 

The District Head, however, appealed for additional boreholes in the area to cater to the heavy livestock traffic, and lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his administration’s inclusive approach to development.

 

The visit is an indication of a growing bond between rural communities and the government, anchored on mutual respect, development, and shared prosperity.