The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is set to host a national policy dialogue on livestock development and rural security, bringing fresh attention to Nigeria’s ongoing herder-farmer conflicts and the country’s broader livestock transformation strategy.

Slated for June 30, 2025, the event will feature a keynote by Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of INEC and now the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Livestock Reform. It will take place as part of the university’s Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture Series, under the auspices of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

This high-level discussion will focus on critical issues such as Nigeria’s evolving livestock governance framework, climate-related land use tensions, sustainable ranching models, and food security. Professor Jega will present the Federal Government’s roadmap under the Presidential Initiative on Livestock Reform, emphasizing constitutional land use realities and the role of state actors in driving localized solutions.

Also being recognized during the event is Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central and Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Production Services. The event will celebrate his leadership in revitalizing agricultural legislation and promoting sectoral reforms.

In a press statement, Professor Adedoyin Jolaade Omede, Dean of the Faculty, described the lecture as both timely and symbolic. She highlighted the goal of the discourse as bridging academic insight with policy action, especially on challenges affecting rural livelihoods and national development.

“Our lecture this year aims to spark national reflection on agricultural resilience, rural peacebuilding, and inclusive development,” said Omede. “It also recognizes Senator Mustapha’s strategic approach to stakeholder engagement and agricultural transformation.”

The dialogue will be hosted by UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and will convene a wide range of stakeholders including policymakers, researchers, development partners, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and agribusiness leaders.

The Presidential Initiative on Livestock Reform, led by Jega, has emerged as one of the Tinubu administration’s most pivotal strategies to revamp the livestock value chain. The initiative addresses intercommunal conflicts, low productivity, climate-related displacement, and underinvestment in animal agriculture.

With expectations high, this year’s Distinguished Personality Lecture promises to be a critical forum for charting a new course toward a resilient, inclusive, and economically viable livestock sector in Nigeria.