Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) receiving a souvenir from the National President, Butchers Association of Nigeria Chief John Adun (JP) during a courtesy call by the National and State chapter of the Association to the Governor in Asaba.

By Our Correspondent

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has challenged Butchers Union to ensure international standards in the processing and provision of meat for consumption by Nigerians.

According to the Governor, “meeting international standards in meat processing will make the health of our people better and if we have every family in good health, the government will be strengthened.”

The Governor made the call yesterday in Asaba when he received on courtesy call, members of Butchers Union of Nigeria led by its chairman,Chief John Osamede-Adun.

Governor Okowa lauded butchers for coming together under an umbrella, noting that such would ensure proper monitoring of activities of members, boost confidence of meat consumers and also, provide avenue for government to easily have access to the butchers.

“We are happy that the butchers are repositioned to provide meat under good sanitary condition; the meat we eat every day should be processed with international standards, they should be good for consumption,” he said, adding, “government is doing a lot to provide abattoirs, but, there is no law that is prohibiting private individuals from operating such; it is very possible for us as individuals to have private abattoirs that are well managed.”

He used the occasion to assure the butchers of his administration’s commitment to the safety of Deltans, especially in respect of the quality of meat they consume, noting that the killing of donkeys can be stopped through enforcing bye-laws by local government councils.

Earlier, Chief Osamede-Adun who is also known as Bob Izua lauded the leadership qualities of Governor Okowa, saying, “we are here to thank you for the work you are doing in Delta State.”

“We have over 20,000 members in Delta State and we will continue to support your government,” he said, adding, “we want you (Governor Okowa) to help us stop the killing of Donkey in Agbor, Donkey meat is not fit for consumption and 20 minutes after it is killed, it changes colour and oozes offensive odour.”