Chief Simon Shango, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called upon the federal government to overhaul the Pulaku Initiative, tailoring its strategies to better address the unique needs of the communities it seeks to assist.
In his statement, Shango emphasized the necessity of reconsidering the initiative’s name, expressing concerns that its current association with Fulani cultural norms might hinder its efficacy, particularly in regions marked by longstanding conflicts over land resources.
Speaking from Abuja, Shango underscored the potential risks of implementing the Pulaku Initiative without taking into account local sensitivities. He proposed a renaming strategy, drawing parallels with Radio Nigeria’s approach during former President Obasanjo’s tenure, where station names were adapted to reflect the distinctive attributes of each state.
Shango stressed the need for personalized housing solutions that respect the architectural and cultural heritage of the recipient communities. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of selecting beneficiaries based on equitable criteria rather than political considerations.
Advocating for the establishment of grazing reserves away from resettlement areas to minimize conflicts between herders and farmers, Shango also highlighted the significance of preserving indigenous settlement patterns to maintain social harmony, citing the example of the Tiv people in Benue State.
Expressing concern over the severity of the conflict, Shango lamented the loss of life and destruction of property resulting from decades-long tensions between herders and farmers, particularly in the North Central region. Despite these challenges, he expressed hope that the Pulaku Initiative, inaugurated by the Bola Tinubu administration, would provide a viable solution to the crisis. Under this initiative, 1,000 housing units are set to be constructed across seven states, including Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Katsina, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
