February 10, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to establish ranching facilities to handle the processing of meat in the state.
The Governor revealed this when he hosted the Head of International Projects of SEMMARIS, Mr. Timothee Witkowski, and the Regional Agriculture Counsellor of the French Embassy, Sonia Darraco, at his office in Abeokuta.
According to Governor Abiodun, the establishment of the ranch facilities would enable the 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,” he said.
The Governor also disclosed plans to establish piggery facilities, in addition to the existing poultry farms in the state.
“We are also going to do piggery as well. Already, we have a lot of poultry, but we will get them organized,” he added.
Governor Abiodun noted that the current method of slaughtering cattle at the Kara Cattle Market is not hygienic enough for human consumption.
“Although about 9,000 to 10,000 cattle are slaughtered daily at Kara Cattle Market to cater to Lagos markets, they are done haphazardly and not hygienic enough for human consumption,” he said.
The Governor commended SEMMARIS for its positive impact on agriculture, food distribution, and logistics.
He also lauded the organization for the Rungis Farmers’ Market, which has made food available to the people of France at affordable prices.
Mr. Witkowski, in his remarks, stated that his mission in the state is to be a strategic partner by working as a team to modernize agricultural projects and provide technical services in the state.
“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,” he said.
The project, when operational, is expected to provide job opportunities, ensure food security, and improve the agricultural value chain.
The Regional Agriculture Counsellor of the French Embassy, Sonia Darraco, assured that her home country is ready to support the company in its mission.
