Butchers restate role in food security, job creation
Butchers in Lagos have reaffirmed their role in ensuring steady meat supply, boosting jobs and aiding growth, urging stronger collaboration with government and labour authorities. They spoke at the inauguration
Butchers in Lagos have reaffirmed their role in ensuring steady meat supply, boosting jobs and aiding growth, urging stronger collaboration with government and labour authorities.
They spoke at the inauguration of executives of Lagos State Butchers’ Council at Ojuelegba in Lagos.
The council, which draws members from the 20 local government and 37 LCDAs, said it would promote food sufficiency, maintain peace in markets and support policies to strengthen the economy.
General Secretary, Babatunde Kunye, said butchers are central to food security and livelihoods, stressing the need for unity, discipline and professionalism among members.
“Your attendance reflects the value placed on our union and the roles butchers play in food security, employment and economic development. Today is a commitment to unity, discipline, professionalism and continued cooperation with the state government and relevant stakeholders,” he said.
“I assure you that the leadership will uphold policies, promote peace in markets and contribute to growth of our state,” Kunye added.
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President of National Butchers’ Council, John Asun, urged members to be organised and united to benefit from government, noting cooperation and inclusive leadership would prevent disputes in the union.
“They should cooperate to gain from government. The council chair must carry everyone along. If this is done, there won’t be any quarrel,” he said.
Asun also advised the leadership to be magnanimous in victory and avoid vindictiveness, urging them to surpass the achievements of previous administrations. “He should strive to surpass the achievements of the past administration. I know he has the capacity to achieve this,” he added.
Also speaking, Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Agnes Funmi Sessi, encouraged butchers to leverage their numerical strength to press for members’ welfare, assuring them of continued support from the labour movement.
“Injury to one is an injury to all. If there is anything affecting your members, the NLC is there to support you. As we approach an election year, let the government see your numerical strength and use that to demand for your needs,” she said.
The council, affiliated with the National Butchers’ Union of Nigeria and the NLC, pledged to continue working with government, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to sustain stability in the sector and strengthen its contribution to Lagos’ food system and economy.
