Abattoir
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, June 4, 2018 (NAN) Butchers in Ibadan metropolis of Oyo State on Monday lauded the state government as the abandoned Ibadan Central Abattoir commenced full operation.
The butchers in separate interviews gave the commendation at the formal ceremony held at the facility to commemorate the commencement of operation.
Alhaji Biliaminu Elesinmeta, the South-West Coordinator of the National Butchers Union of Nigeria (NBUN), said the commencement of operation at the abattoir was a welcome development.
He stated that the project would create more than 1,000 jobs and ensure that hygienic meat was made available for consumption.
“The commencement of operations in this facility is worthy of being celebrated. This abattoir is the best in Nigeria and the whole of West Africa.
“It is a little bit stressful to move from one house to another, but we will in conjunction with the government talk to recalcitrant members on why they must move to the facility.
“I am sure my people are law-abiding and would comply with the directive,” he said.
Mr Lateef Olagoke, Oyo State Secretary of NBUN, expressed joy that the abattoir was officially inaugurated.
He commended the state government for ensuring the facility was completed and made functional.
“Government has directed us to move down to this place and you can see the turn out today.
“ We will ensure that our members comply with this directive,” he said.
Dr Ibikunle Akanbi, the veterinary doctor in charge of the facility, who led some professionals to inspect the cattle in order to certify their state of health, said any cow discovered to be unfit would be incinerated or buried.
Mr Yinka Fatoki, Executive Secretary, Bureau of Investment Promotion in Oyo State, on his part said that the commencement of operations at the abattoir was another milestone.
He stated that the state government, local government and butchers had agreed to work together in the interest of the state.
Fatoki said that there was no legal slaughter slab or abattoir in Ibadan since 2014 on account of the unsanitary condition of the major slabs in Bodija, Aleshinloye and Gege.
He stated that the situation necessitated the attention given to the facility, assuring residents that it would be coordinated by professionals.
“This facility will be moderated by relevant agencies of government. The veterinary doctors are back after four years off the facility.
“This is a state of the art facility and unarguably the most modern abattoir in West Africa.
“ This is a plus to the Ajimobi-led administration,” he said.
Fatoki also said that government would offer butchers micro-credit loan and assist them in acquiring meat vans.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ibadan Central Abattoir located in Amosun Village, Akinyele Local Government Area, is being operated on Public Private Partnership basis.
The project belongs to Oyo State Government, the 11 local governments and LCDAs in Ibadan as well as a private firm, C & E Limited.
NAN also reports that the abattoir was built by the administration of former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala. (NAN)
TAA/OJO
========
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)