By Olawale Lamina
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has revealed plans to establish ranching facilities for the processing of most hygienic meat in the state.
This came to the fore as the governor hosted the Head of International Projects of SEMMARIS, Mr. Timothee Witkowski, and the Regional Agriculture Counsellor of the French Embassy, Sonia Darraco, along with her team during a courtesy call on his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta the state capital on Monday.
Governor Abiodun noted that establishment of the ranch facilities would enable the state government to rear, fatten, slaughter, and process meat in the most hygienic way suitable for human consumption.
“We have an immediate plan to set up ranching facilities here in Ogun State where we will rear cattle, fatten them, slaughter, and process them properly.
“We are also going to do piggery as well. Already, we have a lot of poultry, but we will get them organized, ” stated the governor.
He informed that although about 9,000 to 10,000 cattle are slaughtered daily at Kara Cattle Market to cater to Lagos markets, yet they are done haphazardly and not hygienic enough for human consumption.
He commended SEMMARIS for its avowed commitment to boosting agriculture, food distribution, and logistics, lauding the organization for the establishment of Rungis Farmers’ Market, making food available to the people of France at affordable prices.
Abiodun expressed the confidence that the arrival of the company in the state would be a game changer, as it would create opportunities for the state and the South-West region as a whole.
Ogun State, the governor stated that, as a state, Ogun enjoys a wide range of road networks that extend to all parts of the country, adding that it is blessed with huge limestone deposits and arable land suitable for the cultivation of cocoa, palm oil, cotton, among others.
Governor Abiodun recalled that the courtesy call was a follow-up to the meeting he had in France, while appreciating the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and France in the area of business and renewed friendship. According to Abiodun, President Bola Tinubu is interested in the outcome of the meeting.
He also assured that his administration would support and provide all the incentives needed by the company to succeed in the state, noting that the arrival of the company would assist farmers particularly in the area of extension services and act as an off-taker for their produce.
Responding, Mr. Witkowski said his mission in the state included to be a strategic partner by working as a team to modernize agricultural projects as well as provide technical services.
He said: “Starting with Ogun State is a good idea because of the potential and the strategic location of the state. There is a lot of land available, and the state government has a strong vision for the region. When fully operational, he said that the project would provide job opportunities, ensure food security, and improve the agricultural value chain.
In his remark, the Regional Agriculture Counsellor of the French Embassy, Sonia Darraco, said the company visited the state to carry out a feasibility study to identify potential business opportunities for investment, assuring that her home country is ready to support the company in its mission.
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