Shettima Inaugurates Pulaku Initiative Implementation C’ttee

Deji Elumoye in 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, yesterday, inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians.

The committee chaired by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also has representatives of governors of the benefiting states as members.

Other members of the committee were the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; representatives of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), BUA Group, Dangote Group and the Director General of NEMA, among others.

Speaking during the inauguration of the committee at the State House, Abuja, the Vice-President 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  President Bola 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,” the VP stated.

He further assured the people  that the initiative would address “a challenge that has persisted across various generations and demands our collective resolve, our optimum sense of justice, and our unconditional compassion.

“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 added.

 The Pulaku initiative will initially focus on seven states that have been disproportionately affected by farmers-herders conflicts. They are Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna State.

The initiative aims to revitalise these communities through the construction of residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities.

Explaining the idea of focusing on the seven states, Shettima said, “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 further explained that 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,” Shettima added.

Urging all stakeholders to embrace the initiative with open hearts and minds, the Vice President said, “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.”