LAGOS SET TO REMOVE ALL SHANTIES AT OKO-OBA ABATTOIR

Lagos State Government has held an interactive session with butchers and other stakeholders at the Oko-Oba abattoir and lairage complex to discuss the modalities for the proposed upgrade and rehabilitation of the complex and removal of existing shanties to ensure a healthy and safe abattoir in the State.

Presiding over the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Oluwatoyin Suarau reiterated government’s commitment of the government to giving the abattoir a befitting status of a mega city market and requested the support of stakeholders for a successful implementation of the project.

Suarau maintained that government’s motive is to improve the hygienic condition of the market and not to witch hunt anyone, saying that, “I want us all to see this gathering as a family meeting and we should not see this project as a government instrument to disrupt the activities of the market”.

He added that the removal of the shanties will commence anytime soon and pleaded with all occupants to remove their belongings and vacate the shanties, adding that they should operate from the lairage pending the completion of the project.

The Commissioner disclosed that the completion of the project will be of immense benefit to operators and Lagosians at large as the proposed project will usher in an abattoir equipped with a standby clinic within the complex to care for the health of workers and other emergencies as well as a mini-market to cater for some basic needs.

“As we speak, the government has completed the fencing of the abattoir and the heap of refuse which has existed for several years has been cleared. The beautification of the entrance and surroundings of the abattoir has also commenced”, the Commissioner added.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya who was present at the event, spoke extensively on the significance of upgrading the market and stressed the need for the government to monitor and ensure a safe red meat market that will conform to the mega city status.

Dr. Olayiwola emphasized the commitment of the administration towards the attainment of food security through the support of well-meaning individuals in the State saying that food security and hygienic environment are on the front burner of this administration to facilitate job and wealth creation as well as poverty reduction.

Present at the event was the Serikin Hausawa of Agege, Alhaji Musa Muhammadu Dogonkadai, who commended the State governments all inclusive style of governance for carrying them along in the ongoing developmental processes in the State.