Lagos Shuts Down ‘Ponmo’ Processing Section Of Oko-Oba Abattoir In Agege

The Lagos State government, at the weekend, closed down the cow skin (Ponmo) processing section of the Oko-Oba abattoir and Lairage Complex, Agege and dislodged processors of the cow skin and hide in the complex. A statement by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, spokesperson of the state Ministry of Agriculture, quoted the commissioner, Mr Toyin Suarau, who led a team of ministry officials and men of the Lagos State Task Force to the abbatoir, as saying the development became necessary because of the health hazard posed by activities of the processors who, in their large numbers, burnt cow skin in a heap of burning tyres. He noted that this bonfire emitted a thick toxin smoke which spread within the complex and adjoining neighbourhood, adding that the smoke and the unhygienic way of processing the cow skin was harmful to human health. He said that the issue of animal slaughtering and processing called for attention because a lot of animals must be inspected before and after slaughtering, according to the meat inspection law. He noted that plans were underway to fence the whole Oko Oba abattoir, adding that the government would remove slums, shanties and market in and around the complex; remove heap of solid waste; ensure subsequent waste management by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and protection of the complex environment by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).