New abattoir will promote health , employment.

The idea of establishing a modern abattoir in Akure by the Ondo State Government was first conceived in 1983 with the acquisition of 18 hectares of land for both the abattoir and cattle market project on the outskirts of Akure metropolis along Ado road. The cattle market project took off in 1985 but the abattoir project could not take off due to paucity of fund. In 2001, contract for the construction of the semi-mechanised abattoir was awarded but the contract was terminated in 2004 due to the contractor’s incompetence. In 2011, the contract was rewarded with the main abattoir project ,the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh who was the Guest of Honour at the event commended the resolve of the Ondo State Government to build an abattoir of World Health Organisation (WHO) standard. Speaking on the health benefits of the facility, Ogbeh who was represented by the State Director of Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Funke Omagbemi said it holds the key in the provision of hygienically processed meat which will enhance good and healthy eating habit. The process through which the animal is slaughtered contributes a great deal to the hygiene of the meat. The animal will first be kept in the lairage i.e shelf to rest for at least 24hours where it can not be fed but can be given water. This will prevent it from the harsh weather, reduce glycogen and make the meat fresh. visit