“Ever wondered how a single cow in Nigeria could be worth more than a doctor’s annual health budget? Buckle up, because this revelation is just the tip of the iceberg.”
The Bible teaches us that “the cattle on a thousand hills belong to God,” a statement symbolizing God’s sovereignty and provision. But how does this translate into our modern context, especially regarding the ownership and economic impact of cattle in Nigeria?
While the church often quotes this scripture, the reality is starkly different. The Fulani herdsmen dominate cattle ownership, reaping significant economic benefits. Did you know that in Lagos alone, about 10,000 cows are slaughtered daily, contributing to an industry worth over 1 trillion Naira annually? Extend this to the entire country, and the numbers are mind-boggling.
This immense wealth explains the power and influence herdsmen wield, making the herder-farmer crises a tough nut to crack. The debate in the National Assembly, where cows are referred to as “citizens,” underscores their economic significance.
But what about the church? Despite quoting scriptures about God’s ownership of cattle, the church controls very little of this wealth. Imagine transforming underutilized prayer camps into productive animal farms. This could generate substantial income for the church and its members, aligning with the biblical principle of stewardship.
In other countries, cows produce significantly more milk due to better husbandry practices. Nigerian cows, by contrast, yield only one liter of milk per day, while cows in Brazil and Saudi Arabia produce up to 30 liters. This disparity is due to our cows expending energy roaming for food.
Adopting modern animal husbandry practices could drastically increase productivity, providing higher yields of meat and milk, and creating numerous by-products like yogurt, cheese, and leather goods. By building ranches and cultivating grass for our cattle, we can enhance productivity and resolve conflicts.
The financial implications are profound. In Europe, cows receive daily subsidies far exceeding the annual health budget for an average Nigerian. This highlights the value placed on livestock in developed countries and the need for us to rethink our approach.
Let’s not see this as a North-South issue but as a national opportunity. Transforming our animal husbandry practices can benefit everyone, fostering economic growth and reducing conflicts. This isn’t about attacking any culture or tradition but about recognizing and utilizing our God-given resources efficiently.
My mission goes beyond preaching. It’s about developmental Christianity—teaching principles that work and bring tangible results. Let’s not just pray but also act on these insights.
God bless you.
