The Genius in Adekambi’s Database Idea for Herders and Miners – By Kazeem Olalekan Israel

The fact that Bimbo Adekambi suggested that, if elected Governor, there shall be a database for herders and artisan miners portray him as someone who understand the dynamics of the security challenges facing the people of Oyo State, especially Oke-Ogun region.

There is no doubting the fact that the issue of herder-farmer crisis has become a serious issue of national security which must urgently be addressed. His declaration of ensuring a database points to a man who does not only understand the peculiarity of the security problem in the Oke-Ogun axis of the State but a man who has prepared what the solution should be in addressing the menace once and for all.

I appreciate the fact that he stated “apologies” when he referenced herders so that it will not appear as if he is criminalising those who are into the legitimate business of herding. However, we must understand that many a criminal have hidden under the banner of herding to perpetuate criminalities especially on farmland. The “apology” declaration was necessary so that his statement will not be misconstrued by political elements who will in turn weaponise the statement to paint a negative image.

The necessity of data profiling as far as herding is concerned is long overdue. We are all witnesses to the low-intensity war open-grazing has caused across the length and breadth of the country. And, this is more complicated by the country’s porous border system. However, with data profiling, the government can be able to state with precision the numbers of nomadic herders that operates within the State and their country of origin.

This move is long overdue and I commend ‘Bimbo Adekambi for speaking of, and embracing such an initiative that should have ordinarily been a federal government priority. The suggestion of Adekambi speaks of the importance of moving from a system that relies entirely on anonymity which has since serve as a banner for criminals to extend their capabilities. Also, Adekambi is sending a message that there is no point waiting for the federal government for any form of wonder as far as tackling cattle rustling and terrorism under the guise of herding is concerned.

It is undeniable that when farmers abandon their farmlands because of violence, every Nigerian pays the heavy price through decreased food production, soaring food inflation and worsening hunger. There is no how we will discuss food inflation and low productivity in terms of agricultural produce without referencing farmer-herder crisis which has chased a lot of farmers off their farmlands. However, we cannot claim to be addressing farmer-herder crisis when we are not intentional about replacing the archaic open-grazing with modern commercial grazing which must include opening a database for every pastoralist in the State.

In fact, we cannot talk of modern commercial ranching when there is no database for herders. Hence, such an idea will help both in the area of intelligence gathering and economic advancement. The problem with the country’s livestock industry is the same being witnessed in the natural minerals sector which is both threatening agricultural production.

It is unimaginable that a country sitting on an estimated $700bn in mineral wealth and losing $9bn annually to stolen minerals and one of Africa’s largest livestock population have nothing to show for it. The paradox is scary. We are talking of not just economic sabotage but serious national security threat which must be thoroughly and intentionally handled. However, with proper accounts of those engaging in artisan mining and herding in the State, we will be addressing the challenge of insecurity.

Kazeem Olalekan Israel writes from Ibadan, a member of Bimbo Arsenal.