Cattle Colonies...which way Nigeria?

Pic credit: vanguardngr.com

I eventually became debilitated by all the arguments, counter arguments and crisis being triggered by the Fulani cattle issue and the new mandate by the Federal government for the establishment of cattle colonies in different states of the federation.. The idea of boycotting beef so as to drive home the point that we do not want cattle colonies though reasonable will not solve this age long crisis.

In view of the foregoing, I have decided to proffer solutions I feel, if applied, would on the long run put an end to this conundrum plaguing our nation.

First suggestion:

It is no secret that Dubai was transformed from a local desert to a global player. So I ask; why can't our government do the same in the North?
Once we have a Northern region that can boast of reasonable pasturable land and green vegetation, in simple English; enough grasses for the cattle, no Fulani would bother to travel to another state with his cattle. All the Northern governors can pull resources together to achieve this with the help of the Federal government. The private sector can also key into this.

Second suggestion:

Instead of forcing states to establish colonies, the Eastern and Southern states can invest in grasses. They can sell grasses to the North (no need for grass importation) while the North would continue to sell tomatoes, cattle, beef and any other produce to the Eastern and Southern parts of Nigeria. Besides we all pay good money for the cattle so we can sell grasses as well. It will be a win-win situation for all.

If this is done, everyone stands to gain. From the comfort of our states, more revenue will be generated for Nigeria and the States. There will be no need to move cattle up and down the country in search of colonies. No need for tribal and ethnic clashes (besides not everyone loves beef).

I strongly believe the above suggestions will  not only help to douse the tension being generated by the issue of establishing cattle colonies in states that are not interested in having them but will go a long way to develop the Northern part of this country and also create employment for the youths.

My humble solutions to all these long grammar.