Niger Delta

Experts Want Improved Sanitary Conditions In Abattoirs

Published

2 years ago

August 2, 2023

Health experts have called for improved sanitary condition of abattoirs across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State to prevent spread of preventable diseases among residents.
The experts in separate interviews with The Tide’s source in Benin on Monday, said there was urgent need for government to empower health personnel with requisite tools to enable them effectively function and ensure that consumers were served healthy meats from the abattoirs.
Prof. Myke Omoigberale, Chairman, Nigeria Environmental Society, Edo chapter, told the source that there was need for sanitary inspectors and vetirinary doctors to be empowered and motivated to effectively discharge their primary duties of monitoring the abattoirs.
Omoigberale, a Professor of animal and environmental science, lamented that those saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the abattoirs were no longer doing the job because of lack of motivation.
“When it comes to the issue of abattoirs in Edo , I think that there is much the government can do to maintain them by putting control mechanism in place to regulate their activities.
“If you ever go to a typical abattoir in Edo, you will not want to eat meat again.
“Incidentally, I and one of my post graduate students just finished a research on the impact of abattoirs’ waste on fishes in Ikpoba river.
“And the result we got was not very encouraging; the waste from abattoirs are very toxic.
“We discovered that the untreated waste they wash into the river has negative impact on aquatic lives”, he said.
According to him, in developed countries, If you go to the abattoirs, you won’t even perceive any odour of meat being slaughtered.
“But in Nigeria, it is the opposite because we do not put hygiene first, you will marvel at the condition under which these animals are slaughtered.
“Most times they slaughter the animals on bare ground; step on them, carry the meat on their head, carry them on motorcycles, exposing the meat to different elements and diseases.
“Our abattoirs are time bombs waiting to happen in terms of diseases as a result of poor maintenance and poor handling of meat”, he said.
Omoigberale, however, stressed the need for animals to be thoroughly examined by vetirinary doctors to be sure that they were healthy for consumption to avoid transmission of diseases to human beings.
He called on government to set up monitoring teams whose members would monitor activities of these slaughter houses to ensure that the animals were healthy and slaughtered in very hygienic environment.
According to him, we all know the standard required for something that you will put in your mouth. You will agree with me that what is currently obtainable in our abattoirs does not meet the standard required standard.
Corroborating Omoigberale ‘s view, Dr Thomas Haruna, Director of vetirinary services, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed that Edo had more than 70 abattoirs owned by various local government areas and private individuals.
Haruna, however, noted that only a few out of that number were not functioning.
According to him, the major ones within the Benin metropolis.which were mostly privately owned, are functioning with government regulating their activities.
He said government had recently stepped up efforts in the control and supervision of these abattoirs.
Haruna noted that before animals were slaughtered, the vetirinary doctors carried out anti-mortem and postmortem inspections on the animals to be sure that they were fit for consumption.
“We have had cases where a full cow was condemned because we declared it not fit for consumption. So we carry out meat inspection before and after slaughtering.
“Infact, we currently have about four cases in court. These four people are being prosecuted for bringing donkey meat not approved into Edo from other states.
“We have also in the past, secured one conviction of someone who was also caught selling donkey meat in the state. Donkey meat is not approved for sale in Edo”, he said.
According to Haruna, relevant health departments have in recent times, taken the issue of abattoirs seriously.
“It has become one health programme where we ensure that the vetirinary doctors do the inspection of the animals before and after slaughtering and representative of the ministry of environment, ensures that the waste are properly disposed off.

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

8 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

Niger Delta

Remember Me As Fighter Against Sexual Harassment – UNICAL VC

Published

9 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has said she will want to be remembered for fighting sexual harassment and delayed results.

Obi made the remark recently at an event in Calabar, organised by the university to mark the end of her five-year tenure as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

It would be recalled that Obi, whose tenure expired on November 30, was appointed Vice Chancellor on September 10, 2020, but officially assumed office on December 1, 2020.

She said her commitment to protecting students, especially the female ones, remained one of her greatest achievements as Vice Chancellor.

She said, “I fought against sexual predators and ensured timely release of students’ results to curb frustration within the institution.”

While expressing fulfilment at completing her tenure and thanking God for enabling her finish strong after five years in office, she said she would return to the classroom because teaching remained her passion.

Earlier, she addressed staff and students outside her office during a carnival-like, marching out parade in her honour, thanking them for their support throughout her administration.

She also encouraged them to support her successor to enable him to succeed and take the university to greater heights.

“This institution has recorded significant growth and I am confident that my successor will advance the progress already made”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that under her leadership, the largest solar power plant in Cross River State was built in UniCal, ensuring stable electricity for the university and its teaching hospital.

Other achievements included upgrading the Faculty of Education to a College, getting Mass Communication accredited and elevated to a Faculty.

Her administration also constructed new hostels, introduced departmental scholarships, built a fire service station, and completed the Law Faculty complex.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

11 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.