By Nkechi Eze
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has visited Sanga Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State to engage stakeholders on the need to record a successful 2025 farming season. This was at a one-day seminar organised to discuss ways a successful farming season could be achieved in Sanga general area.
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer Operation Safe Haven in an official signed statement disclosed that Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, in his goodwill message at the event stated, that the seminar which is the second edition was of utmost importance as it would ensure safety and prosperity in the various communities in Sanga LGA and environs.
He noted the challenges faced during the farming season including farm destructions and attacks on livestock with reprisals, thereby degenerating into vicious cycle of violence. The commander added, that the seminar will address the usual challenges faced during farming season and proffer practicable solutions to them.
General Oyinlola, revealed that the first edition of the seminar was productive, leading to a significant reduction in farmer/herder clashes in the area. He added, that the seminar will offer the platform for robust dialogue towards fashioning out modalities for a peaceful and successful farming season this year.
The guest speakers who spoke on the topic “Peaceful Coexistence Towards A Successful Farming Season”, emphasised the need to protect the sanctity of human kind in approach to indiscriminate attacks on human lives. They urged the people to tolerate one another, thereby making it difficult for crisis to ensue and destabilise the farming season.
They noted, that once peace is destabilised, the price to restore it will be enormous. The speakers further endorsed the bottom-top approach to resolving conflicts without loss of lives and property, while also ensuring food security is prioritised in the general area.
The member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Hon Daniel Amos, acknowledged the significant role the seminar will play in preparing the minds of farmers and other stakeholders towards a peaceful farming season. He emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining peace and development in the region. Hon Amos further reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote harmony, unity, and security within his constituency and beyond.
Earlier in his address, the FOB Commander, Major Mohammed Galadima stressed that the seminar is a non-kinetic approach to conflict resolution. He maintained that there must be an enabling environment for the farmers and herders to carry out their duties without fear of conflicts.
The event had in attendance government functionaries, heads of security agencies, religious/traditional leaders, youths, and civil society organisations amongst others.
Highlights of the visit was the commissioning of new motorbikes by the Commander OPSH, to aid the operational efficiency of troops in difficult terrains, and flagged off a Peace and Unity Football Tournament organised by the FOB to foster unity among diverse groups in the locality.
