Date: 2016-08-24

Alhaji Oba Elegede is the General Secretary of Irepodun United Butcher Association in Kwara State. In an interview with our reporters, Olatidoye Akeem and Layeni Yetunde, Elegbede spoke on the cardinal objectives of his association that enabled it to pride itself with standard in the process of serving community. He emphasised the association's zero tolerance to compromise standard. The Irepodun United Butcher Association general scribe did not forget to reiterate the union's commitment towards achieving universally acceptable hygienic food and support for a sustainable friendly relationship between the state government and the association.

What are the responsibilities of the Irepodun Butchers Association?

Thank you my brother, you see, our jobs or responsibilities are very simple, we see to the day-to-day activities of the Ipata market in Ilorin East Local Government Area abattoir and also welfare of all members of Irepodun United Butchers Association.

What are you doing to ensure that the Ipata Market abattoir is kept clean and tidy always?

We all know that ;cleanliness is next to godliness'. What we do is that we set aside some amount of money for the cleaning of our abattoir after every day's activity. On Saturdays, we make sure that every place is kept clean and tidy. We use water to wash every place and all refuse packed are always deposited at the right place.

How do you ensure that all animals slaughtered are good for human consumption?

This is a very good question because that is our major work here. There is need for us to see that all animals slaughtered for public consumption are healthy and diseases-free because no member of the public can easily identify meat from sick animals after those animals had been slaughtered, and put on the table for sale. We have our Veterinary section and they are qualified veterinary doctors. They are in-charge of accessing all animals and if they discover that any of the animals brought for sale is sick, then we never allowed that such animals be killed in order not to cause another problem to the society and not to spoil our own image at Ipata abattoir.

What mechanism is your association using to check and control the activities of Illegal abattoirs in the state?

Thank you very much. The issue of illegal abattoir is one of our challenges. Truly speaking, we have illegal abattoirs in Kwara state and our association has identified certain number of abattoirs where they cannot lay claim to have veterinary section and they just kill any animal that comes their way without minding the consequences of their action on the innocent buyers. As part of our pragmatic efforts to do the right thing and compel people to follow suit, we have taken the bull by the horns by approaching the operators of these illegal abattoirs and let them know why they should turn a new leaf. Interestingly, some of them have promised to do the right thing so as to put a stop to putting the lives of the innocent people in danger.

Considering the importance of your roles in the society,are you planning to relocate to a better place?

Yes, this is very important because the state population is increasing on daily basis, especially, Ilorin, the state capital. Though there is a modern abattoir at Ultra modern Akerebiata area, there is need for government to put certain things in place so that operation can commence there in earnest. The slaughter slab there needs to be expanded and the need for drainage to give room for free flow of water and other materials used are very essential.

How have you been supporting the Kwara state government to ensure good delivery of the dividends of democracy?

We consider ourselves as part of the government because without the cooperation of the people, nothing can be achieved by the government. Severally we met with the Chief of Staff, Yusuf Abdulwahab, Kwara state and they told us what they expected from us and we have been trying our best to compliment government effort as much as we can.

I equally want to thank His Excellency, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for various support towards ensuring that the welfare of all citizenry are adequately taken care of.

What have you been doing to ensure that your association supports the government revenue generation drive?

Thank you very much for this particular question. On regular basis,we hold meetings with the Chief of Staff, Yusuf Babatunde Abdulwahab, especially on the issue of revenue and other important issues. Initially, we paid the sum of N130 (one hundred and thirty naira) but now we have increased our tax to N400(four hundred naira). This is to increase the state IGR and to assist the state government to be able to provide services for the people. Again we accept the increase in the tax because we are loyal and very sincere to the Kwara state government.

What has been the major achievement of your association?

: We have been able to ensure that there is peace in our domain because with peace, we can achieve whatever goal we set to achieve for our members and the association in general. Again we have been very honest in our business and also we have been able to support the state government and put smiles on the faces of our members.

What can you identify as the major challenge?

Electricity, electricity. This is our major problem here in Ipata market abattoir. And you will believe me that without electricity, we will be running our businesses at a loss because we need to keep all unsold meat in refrigerators and when there is no light to do this, there is going to be a problem.

We have complained about the problem of electricity to the state and local government, but no good response yet but we still look forward for the government's support on the problem of power.

What is your advice to all your members?

I want to urge them to continue to do their business according to the ethics, rules and regulations of the association. I also want them to always support the Kwara state government because the government has created a lot of opportunities for private business to strive in the state.

Source: HeraldNews