Committee Members

Co-Chairman
Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega was the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria, between June 2010 and June 2015. Prior to that, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (1995/1996) and Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano (2005-2010), Director, Centre for Democratic Research and Training Mambayya House (2000-2004), President Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU (1988 – 1994). He has served as Pro-chancellor in several state and federal universities in Nigeria.
Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega was the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria, between June 2010 and June 2015. Prior to that, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (1995/1996) and Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano (2005-2010), Director, Centre for Democratic Research and Training Mambayya House (2000-2004), President Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU (1988 – 1994). He has served as Pro-chancellor in several state and federal universities in Nigeria. Professor Jega obtained his B.Sc. (Hon.) in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria (1978). He also obtained an M.A. (1981), a Post-Graduate Diploma in African Studies (1982) and PhD (1985) from Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois, USA. He has published extensively on Nigerian politics, Agrarian transformation, elections, democratization, identity politics and transition to democracy, among others. He is a recipient of many prestigious national and international awards, as well as academic fellowships. He chaired the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023 and is currently the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.
Committee Members

Professor Yahaya Mohammed Kuta, FAESON, FNIM
Contact details: Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development , University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State; mkyahaya2@gmail.com; +2348059288165
Brief: Kuta holds a Ph.D and M.Sc in Agricultural Extension from the University of Ibadan where he is a Professor of Agricultural Extension and Development Communication. He has published extensively in the areas of Communication in Social Engineering and change processes, Agriculture and contemporary development issues. He had previously served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff and Commissioner in Niger State (2007 to 2015). He had served in several important committees at the university, state and national levels. He was a visiting professor at the National Universities Commission -2022/2023. He is an examiner to several institutions and Human Resources development consultant for many corporate and public spirited organisations. He is a member of many professional bodies, recipient of many honors and awards. He is the Pro-Chancellor of the Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna and a member of the Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri. He chaired the Technical Sub-committee and coordinated the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023 and is currently the Secretary of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

HE Prof. Placid Njoku
Contact details: 38 Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja: : placid.njoku@gmail.com +234 8033497600
Brief: Professor Placid Chike Njoku, Ph.D, is an astute Animal Scientist, and an educational, agricultural, and environmental expert. He has served in several capacities as the first Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike; the first Director of Quality Assurance, National Universities Commission (NUC); and the first President, the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science. He was Coordinator, Vision 20:2020 NTWG for Agriculture and Food Security, and has served as member of several Presidential Committees. He has consulted for the British Council on diversity; the Swiss Government on linkages and human capital development; International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on agricultural value chains; World Bank (Washington) on quality assurance in higher education; World Bank (Nigeria) on livestock productivity and resilience. He is the immediate past Deputy Governor with H.E. Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, Nigeria (2020 - 2024). He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Prof. Olorunfemi Jegede
Contact Details: Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja olorunfemi.jegede@uniabuja.edu.ng; ocjegede@yahoo.com; +2348037023920
Bio: Professor Olorunfemi Cornelius JEGEDE; a Professor of Veterinary Parasitology, and Former Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja. Faculty and statutory member, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, pioneer Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Abuja. Former Deputy Dean of the Faculty and Pioneer Head, Department of Parasitology and Entomology. Winner of the 2023 University of Abuja Meritorious Service Award -Gold category. He was a Member of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023 and is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Dr. Saleh Bashayi Momale
Contact Details: Kaduna State Peace Commission ; sbmomale@gmail.com; +2348036946063
Brief: Saleh B. Momale holds PhD in Geography and Msc in Land Resources Development from Bayero University, Kano and is presently the Executive Vice Chairman, Kaduna State Peace Commission. He previously served as Technical Adviser, Livestock Development to the Minister of Agriculture from 2019 to 2021; was a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University Kano; and was the Executive Director of The Pastoral Resolve from 2003 to 2005. He has versatile experiences in research and development in the fields of rural development, pastoralism, climate change adaptation, sustainable livelihoods and conflicts management in Nigeria and across the West and Central African drylands. He was a Member of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023 and is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Mrs. Winifred Lai-Solarin
Contact Details: Department of Animal Husbandry Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security winlaw995@gmail.com ;2348037861999; +2349081511900
Bio: A seasoned livestock policy, programme planning and management expert with 34 years of national and international experience. She has held several leadership roles including Director, Federal Department of Animal Husbandry Services; NPC L-PRES; National Coordinator, Animal Genetic Resources Management. Contributed to regional and global livestock initiatives such as the development of the Regional Livestock Development Strategy; AU Resilient Feed and Fodder Systems; OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Awarded Presidential Merit Award for Excellent Public Service, and others for excellence in academics and scholarship. Currently completing PhD, at the University of Abuja, holds a Master of Communication, from the University of Queensland, Australia; Regent Certificate (Public Health), the University of Minnesota and Bachelor of Agriculture (Animal Science), the University of Benin. She was a Member of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023 and is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Dr. Rabe Isa Mani Ph.D.
Contact Details: No. 11 Sayaya Street, Kofar Kaura Layout, P.O. Box 201, Katsina 820101: manirabe13@gmail.com +2348173326855
Brief: Dr Rabe Isa Mani has a Bachelor, Master of Science and Doctoral Degrees from New Mexico University, the University of Ibadan and the University of Melbourne, Australia, respectively, all in Animal Science. He is an Expert in animal production and livestock programmes management with over 40 years of field experience including cattle ranch management. Rabe Mani has 35 years of career civil service from Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) as Assistant Director Agricultural Research Management and 10 years working experience with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations as Assistant FAO Representative in Nigeria in charge of Programmes. In retirement, Rabe Mani has consulted for FMAFS, FAO, IFAD, AU-IBAR, CILSS, ECOWAS, Mercy-Corps among others. He chaired the Blue Print development sub- committee during the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Prof. Edet Joshua Udoh
Contact: Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria +2348028260108
Brief: Edet Joshua Udoh is a Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Uyo and has over 23 years of teaching, research and leadership experiences within and outside the University. He has authored several academic publications, provided consulting services to different development organizations and agencies of government, and served in numerous leadership and administrative positions within and outside the University community. His strong academic credibility, intellectual curiosity, experience, relentless drive for excellence, and exposure throughout his personal and professional life have helped to hone his skills in strategic management, educational and agricultural development. He is a Member of the Nigerian Economic Society, Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists, and Agricultural Society of Nigeria. He was a member of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Dr. Junaidu Yakubu Muhammad
Contact Details: No 105, Kofar Gabas, Tofa Local Government, Kano State junaiduyakubu3@gmail.com +234 8069451376
Brief: Dr Junaid Yakubu is a Veterinary Public Health Specialist with a profound academic background and expertise in livestock disease prevention and management. He has managed several World Bank and ISDB-funded projects, and has held relevant key positions including MD, Kano State Agricultural Authority; SSA to the Governor on Livestock; Head, Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project; and State Coordinator, L-PRES and SAPZ projects. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Martins Oloja
Contact Details: AB Villa Estate,14 Commonwealth Avenue, Palmgrove Estate, Ilupeju, Lagos; m.oloja@aol.com +2348033075661
Brief: Martins OLOJA – A Columnist, former Editor of “Abuja Newsday”; Senior Editor of The Source, Editor of “The Guardian”, outgoing MD/Editor-in-Chief of “The Guardian”, is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE); A member of National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), U.S; served on “The Guardian” Editorial Board as Chief Editorial Writer. A product of the Universities of Lagos and Liverpool, U.K; has delivered more than 200 public lectures/keynotes on public policies, journalism, reputation management/leadership science, etc. He is a recipient of many professional awards including Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA) 1998, 1999 and DAME’s 2017 Columnist of the Year among others. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee

Aminu Murtala Nyako
Contact Details: Sebore International Farms Limited, Yola; a.nyako@seboregroup.com; +2347031151150
Brief: Aminu Murtala Nyako is the Managing Director of Sebore International Farms Limited. An economist and public policy expert, he brings extensive experience in driving innovation and global strategy in emerging markets. He earned First Class Honors in Economics and Finance from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Public Policy with a focus on International Policy Development from Georgetown University. In 2015, he served as Senior Legislative Aide in the Nigerian Senate. Since 2019, he has been a Special Adviser on Social Development at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, leading initiatives to enhance Nigeria’s social protection systems. Aminu pioneered the Sebore Agro-Industrial Free Trade Zone, creating livelihood by integrating over 18,000 dairy farmers in the North East into the Sebore Dairy Value chain. He was a member of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023 and is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha
Contact Details: National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency Lugbe, Airport Road; abmustapha2004@gmail.com; +2347068741150
Brief: Professor Abdullahi Mustapha is the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA). He is a Professor of Bioinorganic Chemistry and champion for the advancement of biotechnology in Nigeria. He has served in different leadership positions in academia and was a visiting Professor at some Nigerian universities, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Chemists (MICCON); Royal Society of Chemistry, United Kingdom (MRSC) and Fellow Chemical Society of Nigeria (FCSN). Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha was conferred with the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award by on 26th May, 2023. He is the appointed Governor and Liaison Officer for the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Nigeria. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, OON, MNI.
Contact Details: Nigeria Police Headquarters; aishatubaju@gmail.com; +2348088811112
Brief: Aishatu Abubakar Baju is a renowned Veterinarian and an Assistant Inspector General of Police. She has Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree from ABU, Zaria and a Ph.D from the University of Plymouth, UK. She is a member of National Institute (mni) and the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and in charge of the Police Veterinary services. Aishatu is a recipient of two national awards - Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM). She is a member of the West and Central Africa Regional Advisory Committee on OneRisk. She is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Prof. Eustace Iyayi
Contact Details: Suite T4, Ocean Center, Plot 1018, Cadastral zone B18, Gudu, Abuja; eaiyayi@yahoo.com ; +23408060721963
Bio: Eustace Ayemere Iyayi is a Professor of Animal Science with specialization in poultry and swine; feed enzymes and biotechnology. His broad area of practice covers the livestock value chain, livestock system, development and funding partners/stakeholders engagement, and regulatory matrices. Former Humboldt, Fulbright and Royal Society Scholar. Prof Iyayi is the Immediate past Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Kabusa, Abuja. Former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan and Chairman, Nigeria Agriculture Observatory, Abuja; Chairman, Feed Nigeria Summit, Abuja. He was the keynote speaker at the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023 and is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Engr. Uthman Muhammad, FNSE, FCIPS
Contact Details: No 8 Kiri Crescent, Dougire, Jimeta, Yola Adamawa State; maluthman@hotmail.com +2347064183246.
Brief: Engr Uthman Muhammad is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society for Engineers, (FNSE) and a Fellow Chartered Institute for Procurement and Supply Chain ( FCIPS), UK. He has served in several capacities as Chairman, of Herders relocation to existing Grazing Reserves and Chairman of 2017 Ministerial Committee for Herders relocation out of Abuja City to the identified Five gazette Grazing Reserves within FCT. He was the former General Manager and Head, NNPC London office and former Nigerian National Representative to OPEC. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Prof. Mrs. Meludu Nkiru Theresa (PhD, STA, NF, OKF)
Contact Details: Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; nkiru_m@yahoo.com; nt.meludu@unizik.edu.ng; +2348023250457
Brief: Professor Meludu is a Professor of Food and Nutrition Security and Agricultural Extension. Former HOD, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is the President of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) and the current President Home Economics Professionals in Nigeria (HEPAN). She was Chairman of several NUC accreditation teams. Treasurer Committee of Deans of Nigeria. Member Anamabra State Export Committee. She was a member of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023 and is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Dr. Mustapha Popoola
Contact Details: Office of the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, 1 Kapital Road, Area 11 Garki, Abuja : honmusty2@gmail.com ; +234 80663017980
Mustapha Ayodele Popoola is a seasoned expert in Animal production, reproduction and biotechnology. He holds a Ph.D in Reproductive Physiology with specialization in genetic resources management. He obtained a Doctorate Degree in Project Management (H.C) from the Commonwealth University. Presently, he serves as Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. A Post-doc research fellow in various Gene banks across Europe and the US. He was a visiting researcher on Biophotonics and nanobiotechnology in livestock at Mississippi State University, Starkville, USA and later at the World Bank African Centre of Excellence in data Science Council of America. Previously, he worked as Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Special Assistant to the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Chairman, Monitoring and Evaluation for the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology transfer between Nigeria and Czech Republic. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Christopher Tarka
Contact Details: Office of the Secretary to the Government of The Federation (SGF), Cabinet Office, Aso Rock, Abuja. kwaghve58@yahoo.com +2348033174822
Bio: Christopher Tarka is an esteemed leader with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, proficient in both political and business realms. He is driven by a profound desire to channel his extensive expertise in political culture, quality assurance, and effective team management toward the dynamic field of mining exploration. Tarka aspires to continue shaping a legacy of excellence in a new domain, one that holds the promise of remarkable contributions and meaningful impact. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Jibrin Yunus
Contact details: Office address: No.J18 Kashim Shettima Shopping Complex Opposite University of Maiduguri, Borno State. jibrinyunusjere@gmail.com 08023725691.
Served as an Assistant Livestock Superintendent in the Borno State Ministry of Animals and Forrest Resources in 1990-1991 and later as an immigration officer in the then Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs in 1991-2002, Supervisory Councilor, Works, Housing, Land and Survey in Jere Local Government Council Borno State from 2004-2006; Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Borno State on Housing and Rural Electrification 2012/2014, and 2017-2019; and Special Adviser Political to Executive Governor of Borno State from 2022 to 2023. National Secretary Alhayah Cattle Breeders Association 1999-2005. Caretaker Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Borno State Chapter 2021. Elected Deputy Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter (AFAN) 2021 to date. Grand Patron Al-Ihsan Youth Foundation since 2022. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Prof Demo Kalla
Contact Details: Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, (ATBU), Bauchi; djukalla@atbu.edu.ng; +2348028785578
Brief: Demo Kalla is a Professor of Animal Science at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi. He is the Focal Lead, of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office. Technical Lead on Climate Smart Dairy Value Chains at the ATBU-TETFund Centre of Excellence on Food Security. A council member of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science. He has had livestock development consultancy stints with PTF, FMAFS, World Bank, USAID, UNDP, ECOWAS etc. Former Director, Agro-Meteorological Centre (ATBU) and member of both Technical Coordination Team of the TETFund Standing Committee on Research and Development (TCT-RDSC) and the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRF-S&MC). He was a member of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in 2023. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Prof Andrew Babatunde Omojola
Contact: Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; omojolababs@yahoo.com ; omojolababs@gmail.com +2348023421935
Brief: Prof Andrew Babatunde Omojola is a Professor of Animal Science with a specialization in Animal Products and Processing and the current Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan (UI), a former two-term Director of UI Teaching and Research Farm and the Chairman, Tunik Foods Nigeria Limited. He has won several awards. He is a registered member of the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) and a fellow of College of Animal Science of Nigeria (FCASN). He is well-travelled and has over 156 publications to his credit. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Prof Abdullahi Muhammad Yau
Contact details: Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA); abdulmuhammadyau@gmail.com; +2347035916247
Brief: Professor Abdullahi Muhammad Yau is a Pastoralist and seasoned academician with 20 years of experience in teaching and research. He holds a B.Sc, M.Sc, PGDE, and a PhD Degrees from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. He is a Cybersecurity Expert and specializes in AI Algorithms for Machine Learning, Pattern formation and recognition. He is currently working on an Algorithm with Autonomous Search capabilities to forecast, detect, identify and respond to Cyber Threats in Nigeria's Cyberspace. He is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Dr. Salim Musa Umar - PhD, fcida
Contact: No 2, Dongo Dutse, Jos; smumar2005@gmail.com; 08037023807
Brief: Dr. Salim is an alumnus of Equitas Human Rights Training, University of Montreal, Canada. He has a background in Local Government Administration and Finance, Business Administration and Public Administration. He was once Senior Special Adviser two former Governors of Plateau State on Community Relations and Special Duties. He has served as Nigeria Advisor to an International NGO, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue on Farmers and Herders in Nigeria. Dr. Salim is the founder and Chairman of Farmers and Herders Initiative for Peace and Development. He is currently a member, Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

Dr. Aliyu Usman Tilde
Contact Details: Zango Tilden Fulani, Toro LGA, Bauchi State: mimibrahim60@gmail.com; 08065343130
Brief: Aliyu U. Tilde, holds a PhD in Agronomy from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a fourth degree in Law from University of Jos. He has been an ardent breeder of livestock and currently among the leading milk processors in Nigeria. He is a foundation member of the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) and has engaged in the education and rights advocacy of pastoralists and is currently a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.