According to a news report from Punch, the Kwara State Government has organised a one-day capacity building session for butchers, meat sellers, and abattoir workers across the state's 16 Local Government Areas.

On Sunday in Ilorin, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-Press) trained approximately 200 individuals on hygienic practices in meat handling. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture and Bolaniks Agricultural Enterprises for Food Safety/Security and Public Health Consultancy Services.

Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, the Kwara State Coordinator of L-Press, emphasised that the goal of this capacity building is to ensure excellent meat hygiene, prevent contamination, and reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases in the state. He explained that the participants, drawn from all 16 local government areas, would benefit from the training by enhancing their practices and ensuring the meat consumed by the public is safe and hygienic.

“The programme demonstrates the commitment of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdukRazaq of Kwara, who has given his full support to activities of L-Press towards the development of the livestock sector in the state,” he said.

He pointed out that the objective of the project is to improve livestock productivity, resilience and commercialisation of selected value chains.

Earlier in her address, the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas 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 while on their job.

She enjoined the residents to be careful of where they buy their meat and patronise only certified places.

Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director of Public Health of the Kwara Ministry of Health warned that diseases do not have boundaries, as such, 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 work 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 sensitised on the emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases in animals.

According to Aminu, “They are being sensitised 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.

Arewa PUNCH recalls that the Kwara State Government had ordered the shut down of the abattoir at Mandate Market, Ilorin in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state following the alleged sale of suspected poisonous cow meat in the market.

The government also ordered the immediate general cleaning and fumigation of the area harbouring the abattoir so as to cleanse it of the suspected meat poisoning in the facility.

The government explained that the steps were part of the efforts to protect members of the public following the incident of sale of suspected contaminated poisonous Cow meat in the market.

The contaminated meat was reportedly from over 30 cows that died after eating grass alleged to have been sprayed with highly toxic weed chemicals.