The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has revealed plans to establish ranching facilities in the state aimed at handling the full processing of meat. This initiative will allow for the rearing, fattening, slaughtering, and hygienic processing of cattle and other livestock to meet the demand for safe, consumable meat.
Governor Abiodun made the announcement during a meeting with Timothee Witkowski, Head of International Projects at SEMMARIS, and Sonia Darraco, Regional Agriculture Counsellor at the French Embassy, who visited his office in Abeokuta on Monday.
The governor explained that the establishment of ranching facilities is crucial as current practices at the Kara Cattle Market, where 9,000 to 10,000 cattle are slaughtered daily for the Lagos market, are often unhygienic and poorly regulated. “We want to ensure that cattle are processed in a hygienic way suitable for human consumption,” Abiodun stated. In addition to cattle, the governor mentioned plans to expand into piggery and further organize the existing poultry farming in the state.
Abiodun also praised SEMMARIS for its significant contributions to agriculture, food distribution, and logistics, particularly its success with the Rungis Farmers’ Market in France. He highlighted the strategic advantages Ogun State offers, including its extensive road networks and fertile land for crops like cocoa, palm oil, and cotton.
The governor emphasized that the initiative aligns with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, who is keen on supporting such agricultural development. He also assured SEMMARIS of the state’s full cooperation and support, including incentives for establishing the project.
Witkowski expressed enthusiasm about starting the project in Ogun State, citing its strategic location and abundant land. He emphasized that the initiative would create jobs, boost food security, and improve the agricultural value chain. Darraco, on her part, assured that France is ready to support the project, as her team conducts a feasibility study to identify business opportunities for investment in the state.
This collaboration is expected to play a key role in transforming Ogun State into a hub for agricultural innovation and food processing, benefiting local farmers and enhancing the region’s economic growth.