Abeokuta North Bans Open Grazing, Commissions Development Projects

The Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State has enacted a bye-law banning open grazing, while also commissioning development projects across its 16 wards, four major communities.

The council chairman, Olanrewaju Oyegbola-Sodipo, said the projects cover education, healthcare, rural electrification, potable water supply, sanitation, road infrastructure, public facilities, reflecting the administration's focus on grassroots development.

The new Abeokuta North Local Government Bye-Law on Livestock Grazing, Herders Registration prohibits open grazing, makes the registration of herders, livestock owners compulsory, establishes a regulatory framework for livestock management within the council.

The council also organised a sensitisation programme involving traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, farmers, herders, market associations, transport unions, youth groups, other stakeholders to explain the provisions of the new law.

Oyegbola-Sodipo said the livestock regulation was introduced to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers, herders, improve public safety, protect agricultural investments, preserve the environment. He added that consultation, civic engagement would remain important to the successful implementation of government policies.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, commended the council's development efforts, saying the projects reflected responsive governance, aligned with the state's development agenda.