By Mohammed Baba Busu
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, has advised farmers and herdsmen in his domain, the state and the country at large to co-exist peacefully.
According to him, such unity of purpose will help to achieve the much desired national economic prosperity.
The Etsu Nupe made the appeal during the annual cultural festival organised by some Fulani Associations in Niger State at the Aliyu Ndayako Memorial Stadium, Bida, on Monday.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who hosted the Fulani annual cultural festival, also said that such peaceful existence would boost food production in the area and contribute to attainingnational food security.
According to the Etsu Nupe, it will also enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of the people in particular and the economic development of the state in general.
He noted that no meaningful development could take place in the area if the people did not learn how to live in peace with one another.
Alhaji Abubakar advised both farmers and herders to always embrace the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to settle misunderstandings when they occur, rather than resort to confrontations and aggressive combat.
The first class traditional ruler also advised the people to always promote peaceful coexistence and to as well obey constituted authorities.
He also appealed to herders to keep off from farms as the destruction of farm produce is the major cause of disputes.
The royal father also reiterated the readiness of the emirate council to cooperate with and support the Fulani community in Nupe Kingdom and the state to achieve peaceful coexistence between herders znd host communities.
The Etsu Nupe, who expressed joy over the event, further called for sustained peace in the kingdom and the country at large.