By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

The World Bank has approved the construction of an ultra-modern abattoir in Ado-Ekiti under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, who made this known at a forum in Ado-Ekiti, said the initiative is designed to enhance the state’s livestock value chain, improve food safety, and stimulate economic growth.

He explained that the proposed abattoir, which will be situated along Iworoko Road in Ado-Ekiti, is designed to function as a dual-purpose facility and will incorporate advanced meat-processing equipment, cold storage units, as well as comprehensive waste management systems.

The Commissioner said the abattoir would adhere to stringent sanitation protocols, noting that standard procedures will be observed in all its operations, while high hygiene standards and quality control will be given topmost priority in the proposed facility.

In his contribution, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, said that the L-PRES project also encompasses the development of a comprehensive agribusiness hub in Ekiti State. He added that the hub is envisioned as a one-stop center for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, providing them with access to finance, markets, and technology.

Adedipe noted that the initiative is anticipated to boost economic growth and improve the livelihoods of thousands of livestock farmers in the state.

He disclosed that the Ekiti State Government has expressed its commitment to the successful implementation of the project, noting that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has repeatedly emphasized the state’s dedication to agricultural development, particularly in the livestock sector, in line with his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda.

Adedipe thanked the governor for his support in ensuring that the L-PRES project delivers on its development objectives in the state.

The State Project Coordinator said the state government would adhere strictly to the procurement process as laid down by the World Bank procurement laws for the construction of the ultra-modern abattoir, adding that the process will soon commence with requests for bids from interested and qualified contractors.