The Edo State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has proposed the profiling of cattle and their owners as a crucial step toward resolving the persistent herders-farmers conflicts in the state.

Alhaji Bako Dogwo, the state chairman of AFAN, made this recommendation during his goodwill message at the inaugural stakeholders' meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Edo State.

"Now that this ministry has been created, I want to advise that all cattle and their owners should be profiled in Edo as a way of trying to find lasting solutions to the farmers and herders crisis," Dogwo stated.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development to address challenges within the livestock value chain and commended the president's agricultural policies, noting that Edo State has previously benefited from federal agricultural interventions.

The stakeholders' meeting, which marked the transition of the Ministry of Livestock from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, brought together various agricultural stakeholders in the state.

Mr. Jolly Idelegbagbon, the state chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), used the opportunity to call on the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to establish a directorate of poultry within the ministry to specifically manage poultry-related issues.

Dr. Samuel Owoicho, the state coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock, explained that the meeting was designed to create awareness about the ministry's transition, which he described as "an important milestone in the Federal Government's efforts to enhance the livestock sector in Nigeria."

"Our new ministry is committed to supporting the livestock industry, enhancing food security, and improving the livelihoods of livestock farmers and stakeholders," Owoicho said, calling for collaboration to harness the potential of the livestock sector for economic development in Edo State.

He also commended Minister Maiha for his support and commitment to livestock development in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Permanent Secretary of the Edo Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Peter Osagie, pledged the state government's support and collaboration to ensure a successful implementation of the ministry's objectives in the state.