Osun Commences Construction Of Modern Abattoir For More Jobs

The Government of the State Of Osun on Friday again recorded another first when it turned the sod of an Ultra Modern Central Abattoir in Iwo.

The first of it kind Abattoir in the South western region which will have the capacity to handle between 200 to heads to 400 heads per day, is expected to be completed in 15 months in collaboration with Hanfirqul Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at the event, Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stated that Iwo was chosen because of its long history in cattle rearing and the business of butchering, adding that the abattoir when completed will create job opportunity for the people of the area, as the workers will be selected within the area.
According to the Governor, ” this abattoir project, on-completion will attract graduates, as they will see for themselves that contrary to the believes in some quarters that the business is for the illiterate class, they will then see that meat business goes beyond what people think”.
He described the abattoir project as one that will attract huge economic benefit to the state when completed as there is an already made market in Lagos because the city requires meat from over 6,000 cattle everyday.
“The abattoir has an already made market especially in Lagos because Lagos state consumes over 6,000 herds of cattle per day and this why we have situated the abattoir very close to the rail way line” the Governor stressed.
The state commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Wale Adedoyin declared that the meat industry in the state has been in a pitiable condition for quiet a long time with previous Governments paying little or no attention the ugly situation which is why government of Ogbeni Aregbesola has decided to take the bull by the horn.
“The intervention of government in the sector has resulted in job creation which has resulted in the employment of nine qualified veterinary officers and other supporting staff engaged mainly in the meat inspection duties and other veterinary activities”. The commissioner stated.
The commissioner pointed out that the Abattoir, which is to be built in Iwo is one out five which will be replicated in all the five zones in the state, announcing that the next sod will be turned in Osogbo next week by Ogbeni Aregbesola.
He stressed that it is the beginning of a new era for butchers, cattle dealers and ultimately the consumers of meat in the state, as very hygienic and wholesome meat fit for human consumption would be made available to the consuming populace.
Representative of the partner company, Hanfirqul Nigeria Limited, Mr Dapo Adelosu emphasized that the company is proud and happy to be part of history in the state of Osun.
He said for the fact that the modern abattoir is the first to be built in the whole of Western Nigeria, it is a pointer to the fact that Osun is a unique and target oriented state in the country.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Butchers Association of Nigeria, Osun chapter, Alhaji Tiamiyu Gafaru and the Chairman, Iwo Cow Sellers Association, Alhaji Wale Olufare who both stated that the two associations have jointly adopted the second term bid of Ogbeni Aregbesola stated that the abattoir when completed will go a long way in boosting their business.
They said the abattoir is what they have been yearning for noting that marketers from within and outside the state will start coming to Osun to learn from them and this will boost the economy of the state.
OSUN DEFENDER