By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-Press) on Sunday in Ilorin trained about 200 butchers, meat sellers and processors on hygienic practices in meat handling.
The programme was in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture and Bolaniks Agricultural Enterprises for Food Safety/Security and Public Health Consultancy Services.
Mr Olusoji Oyawoye, Kwara State Coordinator of the L-Press stated that the role of the capacity building is to ensure excellent meat-hygiene and preventing contamination and zoonotic disease in the state.
He explained that the butchers and meat sellers cuts across the 16 local government area, adding that the training will help to upscale the activities and ensure meat that the public consume is safe and hygienic.
“The programme demonstrate commitment of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, who has given full support to activities of L-Press towards development of the livestock sector in the state,” he said.
He pointed out that the objective of the project is improving livestock productivity, resilience and commercialization of selected value chains.
Earlier in her address, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the Kwara Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development explained that the programme deals with improvement of livestock productivity.
She observed that so many factors are put in place, such as feeds and water for improved productivity and healthy cattle.
Thomas added that the training will improve those working in livestock value chain, and ensure that butchers are equipped with best practices in their job.
She enjoined people to be careful where they buy their meat and patronize only certified places.
Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director of Public Health of the Kwara Ministry of Health said disease doesn’t have boundaries, and the ministry of health is collaborating to ensure the health of livestock and humans are factored.
He explained that the concept of one-health requires that all ministries and necessary stakeholders are working harmoniously to propagate good health and protection of people in the society.
Dr Idiat Aminu, the Director of Public Health and Epidemiology, Veterinary Department of Kwara Ministry of Health explained that the training will educate butchers against infiltrating the markets with unwholesome meat.
She added that they will be sensitized on the emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases in animals.
“They are being sensitized on available equipment for processing good meat.
“The state government has regularly admonished butchers against cutting corners on the issue of selling unhygienic meat to public,” she warned.
