Original post on Guardian NG
Towards ensuring that all operations in Lagos State abattoir meet international standard, the state ministry of agriculture held a one-day stakeholders’ workshop for butchers at the Oko-Oba abattoir, to put a permanent end to illegal slaughtering activities at the abattoir.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau, who addressed the participants, reiterated the resolve of the state not to condone any act of unhygienic meat slaughtering in abattoirs and slaughter slabs, warning butchers at the Oko-Oba abattoir to desist from unwholesome way of meat slaughtering and transporting.
While noting that the present administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is committed to ensuring that all operations in the state abattoir meet international standard, he added that the workshop is targeted at improving skills of butchers, especially at the Oko Oba abattoir, stressing that the state government will not relent in making and implementing policies targeted towards giving the abattoirs the mega city status it deserves.
He stressed that rehabilitation works, as well as removal of shanties, ban on Okada as means of transportation, use of the refrigerated meat van in meat transportation, deployment of experienced veterinary officers to abattoirs and slaughter slabs, amongst others, have been carried out at the Oko-Oba abattoir and others must the adhered with.
The commissioner added that the state would not relent in its policy implementation just as he assured that the Oko Oba abattoir and Lairage Complex will soon take a new shape.
Suarau said the state organised the training so as to put a permanent end to illegal slaughtering activities in abattoirs. “This is a time to correct all ills at the animal market and abattoir in general, so that no butcher will have any excuse for any form of illegal practices.”
The commissioner stated further that the training has been designed in such a way that it will go a long way in developing the skills of butchers and keep them abreast of modern day best practices in abattoir services.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, spoke on the significance of ensuring hygienic slaughtering activities of the market, stressing that government will not relent in its efforts in upgrading and regulating the activities of all slaughter houses in the state.