News
Food Hygiene Bill: Association alerts on dangers of animal blood consumption
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
ANIMAL Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) has called on Kogi State Government to ban the consumption of animal blood as meat by the public due to its negative and dangerous health implications.
ASAN President Mr Raymond Isiadonso, made the call in his submission at the public hearing on an Executive Bill for a Law To Provide For The Establishment of Kogi State Meat Hygiene and Inspection and Other Matters Connected, held at the state House of Assembly on Friday.
The President who was represented by Dr Abdullahi Jimoh, ASAN North Central Coordinator, said that local people that consume blood as meat are doing so out of ignorance of its health and religious implications.
“This is because permitting the consumption of blood as meat through legislation is a disaster waiting to happen.
“Even the use of blood meal as feedstuff for livestock species is being discouraged in several countries including Nigeria,” he said.
Isiadonso also picked holes in the inclusion of administration of Anaesthesia on animals at the abattoirs before slaughtering, saying that Anaesthesia was not a method or an instrument of slaughtering and therefore should be discouraged.
He equally frowned at the preference being given to Veterinary Doctors above Animal Scientists in the abattoirs saying Veterinarians do not know the need for feed withdrawal before slaughtering to enhance meat quality?
“A Veterinarian will only be called if there is an outbreak of disease aside his presence”, he said.
The President lamented that the Bill placed premium on the by-products of the abattoir, which include hide and skin, hooves, bone marrows, bones, hair/feathers, fetuses, etc. from the slaughtered animals.
“The Animal Scientists know that these by-products constitute about 32 per cent of the Animal and so have economic value as they can be converted into products which are usable and thus generates additional money for the owner of the Animal.
“A critical look at all these areas indicates that it is clear that the administration and management of abattoir rest squarely on the shoulders of an Animal Scientist, including Registration of premises relating to meat packaging and distribution”, he added.
According to him, a standard abattoir should have provision for Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all activities as well as compliance with Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) so as to guarantee food safety.
He said it was essential to add that there is an existing Federal Government gazette Volume 109 number 144 of 2022 titled “Animal Handling and Meat Processing and Distribution in Abattoir Regulation 2022″.
“This Federal Government Regulation is explicit about professionals and operations in the meat handling value chain. For instance, Section 11 of the gazette deals with lairage which the proposed Bill intends to repeat on Section 46 of page 16.
“Sections 14 to 18 of the gazette deal with carcass splitting, washing, splaying, evisceration, hanging and distribution and most of these steps are lacking in the proposed Bill. This gazette is attached as appendix for reference purpose,” he said.
“Consequently upon the aforementioned, the Animal Science Association of Nigeria is praying that this Bill be rejected to be redrafted so as to meet the realities of modern day abattoir,” he prayed.
Responding, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Mr Usman Adejoh, several organisations, including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) made several observations to fine tune the bill for passage.
The committee chairman, said that all issues raised and recommendations made to the committee would be carefully studied and the needful would be done in the interest of residents of Kogi as it relate to meat hygiene. (Ends)
News
Ogun Council Polls: Ex-Rep Amusan hails APC’s Landslide Victory
***Lauds Governor Abiodun’s Leadership
***Tasks New Local Government helmsmen on Grassroots Development
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its sweeping victory in the recently concluded local government elections in Ogun State.
He described the outcome as a clear affirmation of the party’s growing acceptance and connection with the people.
In a statement released by his media office, Hon. Amusan attributed the victory to the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration has prioritized the development of critical sectors, including security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“This victory did not come as a surprise. It is a reflection of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Ogun State. His numerous initiatives, including improved road networks, strengthened security, and better healthcare services, have earned the APC the confidence of the people across all local government areas,” Amusan noted.
The former lawmaker, who previously vied for the governorship, said the APC’s success in all local government areas highlights the effectiveness of the Governor’s grassroots-oriented policies and his ability to inspire trust and unity within the party.
While congratulating the newly elected local government chairmen, Hon. Amusan urged them to emulate Governor Abiodun’s leadership style by focusing on service delivery and fulfilling their campaign promises.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. Their effectiveness in governance plays a crucial role in the overall success of any political system. The new chairmen must prioritize grassroots development and ensure they deliver the dividends of democracy to their communities,” he advised.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun State for their overwhelming support for the APC, encouraging them to continue backing the party as it works to fulfill its promises.
“Our people have shown unwavering support for the APC, and I am confident that with their continued trust, the party will further enhance governance and bring more prosperity to Ogun State,” Amusan concluded.
END
News
Hon. Lawalson Congratulates Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Adelami on Election Victory
The Chairman of Owo South Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Shehu Lawalson, has sent a message of congratulations to the Governor-elect of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, on their resounding victory in the November 16 gubernatorial election.
In a statement issued on behalf of the people of Owo South LCDA, Hon. Lawalson described the election outcome as a clear reflection of the people’s trust in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the exemplary leadership of Aiyedatiwa.
“This victory is a testament to the faith and confidence the people of Ondo State have in your vision and ability to lead. Your exemplary leadership has united our state, and your inclusive governance has inspired hope and progress for all,” Lawalson remarked.
The Chairman praised the Governor-elect’s track record of developmental achievements and unwavering commitment to the state’s stability and unity.
He also commended the efforts of party members, royal fathers, and political stakeholders whose dedication contributed significantly to the APC’s triumph.
Hon. Lawalson expressed optimism about the future under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, stating, “We eagerly anticipate your inauguration and the continuation of your remarkable work in steering Ondo State towards greater heights. The mandate you have received from the people is a call to build on your legacy of progress and development.”
The message reads,
“Your Excellency and my Very Dear respectable Leader, permit me to seize this opportunity to commend your exemplary leadership quality that galvanized the massive support from the citizens of Ondo State. The results of the election reflected the wish of the people. This has further proven that you are the best man for the job”.
“Your Excellency, over the years you have contributed immensely to the development and stability of our dear State. You have truly inspired us and indeed you have skillfully guided the State to the direction of unity, peace and commitment of party ideals, providing an inclusive and responsive leadership in the State”.
Lawalson who is a former Whip of Ondo State House of Assembly, further said that, he looks forward in earnest to the inauguration of our Governor and his Deputy as the people of Ondo State have collectively given you a fresh mandate to steer the ship of the Sunshine State for another four years.
Hon. Lawalson thanked all the royal fathers, Party leaders, members of the transition committee of Owo South LCDA Ijebu Owo and all political stakeholders for their continued support, loyalty and tireless efforts that culminated in our party’s triumphant and victorious election.
He concluded with prayers for the Governor-elect and his deputy, asking for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance as they lead the Sunshine State into a new era of prosperity.
News
Ododo Congratulates Aiyedatiwa on Victory in Ondo Governorship Election
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his victory in Saturday’s Ondo State Governorship election.
Governor Ododo, who played a key role as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Election Management and Strategy in the Ondo State APC Campaign Council, described Aiyedatiwa’s victory as the product of hard work, strategic planning, and dedication from APC leadership and members.
His Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, in a statement indicated that his principal who coordinated election operations in Ondo North from Owo, expressed confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s capacity to build on the APC’s established legacy of development in Ondo State.
“We have known Governor Aiyedatiwa. He has been tested and can be trusted to continue the good work of the APC administration in Ondo State,” Ododo stated.
He highlighted that Aiyedatiwa’s new mandate reflects the APC’s popularity and the people’s confidence in its governance.
The Kogi governor praised the peaceful conduct of Ondo residents, especially non-indigenous communities, throughout the electoral process, assuring them that their support would be recognized and rewarded. Ododo called on all Ondo citizens to support Governor Aiyedatiwa as he embarks on his full term beginning February 2025.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner of the November 16, 2024, Ondo State Governorship election, having received 366,781 votes, defeating his closest opponent, Honorable Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party, who polled 117,845 votes.
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