…Says Tinubu committed to fulfilling campaign promises
By Abdullahi Mohammed, Abuja
The federal government is set to commence the implementation of the Pulaku Initiative, a large-scale resettlement programme aimed at addressing the root causes of farmers-herders conflicts and fostering national unity.
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
He said the project must be seen as an emergency to tackle a challenge that has threatened the fabric of Nigeria.
“It serves as a testament to the fulfilment of the promises made by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The aim is to create an environment where the prosperity of our people is not just a distant dream but a tangible and achievable reality.
“This comprehensive approach reflects our dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of all citizens.
“This comprehensive approach reflects our dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of all citizens.
“This is not merely a response; it is a call to action. We are here because each of our programmes or policies will falter unless we get to the root of the dysfunctions we have inherited,” he said.
He said the Pulaku initiative would initially focus on seven states that have been disproportionately affected by farmers-herders conflicts including Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna.
“The selection of these states is a deliberate and strategic approach. The aim is to generate ripple effects that will not only revitalize communities but also lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and cohesive Nigeria,” he said.
He said the initiative would revitalize communities through the construction of residences, roads, schools and essential facilities.
“The Pulaku resettlement is a national commitment to confront a threat that has fuelled distrust and conflicts within communities and across the boundaries of our federation.
“This non-kinetic solution is not designed to compensate any particular group or region. Therefore, we must cast aside any notion of divisive regionalism and see the Pulaku initiative for what it truly is—a practical response to a shared challenge,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to embrace the initiative with open hearts and minds
“Let our legacy be measured not in the structures we build but in the lives we uplift, the unity we restore, and the collective strength of a nation rising above its challenges,” he said.
The committee is chaired by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Mr Ahmed Musa Dangiwa while Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Dikko Radah of Katsina State and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State would serve as members.
Other members of the committee are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede; Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha Habib; Director-General of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr Mamman Ahmadu, and the representatives of Dangote Group, BUA Group and Shelter Afrique.