Commissioner tasks cattle dealers on peace
By Kehinde Oluwatayo
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Members of the Cattle Dealers’ Association in Ondo State have been charged to maintain peace, avoid criminal activities and trade transparently among themselves to move the association forward.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after inaugurating the new executive members of the association,Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati appealed to them to work harmoniously with the new executive members so that there can be development in the state.
Describing the association as government friendly and one of the best in the state, Adefarati advised them to channel their demands and challenges through their exco to the state government.
According to him, the state semi-mechanised abattoir which was not functional before the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu came on board has been functional adding that it has improved the activities of the cattle dealers.
“It can never be overemphasized that our Sunshine State is one of the most accommodating states in Nigeria.We do everything to foster love, peace and unity among all inhabitants of the state and even neighbouring states.
“It is in this view that I am imploring members of Akure cattle dealers association and everyone doing business in this market to abide by the agreement consented to in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by your representatives”.
Adefarati therefore urged them to obey all the rules and regulations governing the operations of the cattle market and endeavour to pay all taxes due to government promptly.
While welcoming the people to the event, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kunle Sanni represented by the Director of Veterinary Services. Dr Adebayo Ehinmowo urged the members of the association to cooperate with the new exco.
He commended the Commissioner for ensuring peaceful transition adding that he held several meetings with different groups to ensure peace.
The National President of Butchers, Alhaji Asimiyu Tella described the abattoir as one of the good things that had happened to the state and called on butchers who are yet to move into the place to do so for their own advantage.
He appealed to government to reduce what it charges saying it is too much for them and called on the new exco to cooperate and work together for the good of the association.
After his inauguration, the new Chairman of the association, Alhaji Khalid Idris promised to work with everybody and not allow tribalism in his tenure.
Idris who is also the Seriki of Hausa youths in the state, said he belongs to the members of the cattle market and not to Fulani, Hausa or Yoruba and promised to ensure that all dues are remitted to the state government accordingly.
The executive members who will pilot the affairs of the association in the next four years include Alhaji Khalid Idris as Chairman, Mr Femi Adekanmi as Deputy Chairman, Mr Abdulfatai Yunus as Secretary, Alhaji Gonia Garuba as Treasurer.
Others are, Mr Olawale Akinmoyero as public relations officer, Alhaji Mohammadu Denji as Assistant Secretary and Mrs Juliana Fayose as Financial Secretary.