Enugu Professionals Oppose Ranches, Advocate For Reviving Rice Production

***News in Brief:

• The Nsukka Platform, a group of Enugu professionals residing in Delta State, have opposed the Enugu state government's plan to establish cattle ranches in certain communities.*** - They urge the government to focus on agricultural development by reviving the Ada Rice Farm and establishing a university of agriculture. A group of professionals from Enugu North Senatorial District residing in Delta State, known as the Nsukka Platform, has called on the Enugu State Government to abandon plans to establish cattle ranches in certain communities. The group, led by Chairman Dr. Leo Abonyi and Secretary Ejiofor Asogwa, expressed their concerns in a statement following an emergency meeting held in Asaba recently. The Nsukka Platform argues that ranches would be detrimental to the communities. They specifically objected to plans for ranches in Nimbo (Uzo-Uwani LGA), Eha-Amufu (Isu-Uzo LGA), and Ugwoba (Oji-River LGA). Additionally, the group highlighted past violence involving herders in Nimbo, raising security concerns. They noted the lack of compensation for those affected and argued that ranching mirrors the controversial Ruga settlement plan previously rejected nationwide. The Nsukka Platform proposes that the government focus on agricultural development instead. They suggest establishing large-scale local agricultural production and processing centers, given the region's agrarian nature. Specifically, they advocate for the revival of the Ada Rice Farm, believing it has the potential to meet rice needs across the Southeast region. Additionally, they propose establishing a university of agriculture in the state to further support the sector.