By Paul Joseph
The Senatorial Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olanrewaju Osho, has called for a radical change in governance, proposing an EU-backed model cattle ranch as part of efforts to address the problem of cattle roaming the streets of Abuja.
Osho said the idea came to him during a recent visit to the European Union (EU) Office, opposite the South African High Commission in Abuja, where he observed cow dung littering the road.
He said the situation presented an opportunity to explore a partnership with the EU to establish a model cattle ranch in the FCT, which could demonstrate the benefits of organised livestock production.
“I can imagine how irritated EU and South Africa High Commission are about the menace. I immediately saw in that problem the opportunity of EU as my first partner for a model cattle ranch in FCT as Senator Elect,” he said.
According to Osho, establishing a model ranch could help demonstrate the benefits of modern cattle rearing and encourage a shift away from the practice of allowing cattle to roam freely on public roads.
He, however, stressed that the government must first provide an enabling environment for herders before expecting them to abandon open grazing.
“Government has to create an enabling environment for the herdsmen first before they can be taken off the street. This is smart thinking,” he added.
The SDP candidate also expressed concern over what he described as the limited focus of development efforts in the FCT, arguing that road construction alone was insufficient to address the territory’s numerous challenges.
While acknowledging the road projects undertaken by the FCT administration, Osho maintained that other pressing issues required innovative solutions and greater attention from political leaders.
“There are too many problems in FCT. The minister is doing only road in three years and we are grateful for that,” he said.
He warned that maintaining the status quo could worsen existing challenges, insisting that the FCT needed a different approach to governance and leaders capable of developing practical solutions to the problems confronting residents.
Osho further argued that an effective senator could contribute to addressing the territory’s challenges through innovative ideas, policy initiatives and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He urged residents to look beyond existing development efforts, recognise the problems facing the FCT and support the changes needed to improve governance and living conditions.
“FCT needs help. May God open our eyes to see these challenges and have the courage to do what is right,” he said.
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