DTSG Hands Over Uvwie Modern Abattior, Ugbolokposo To Private Firm To Manage
EFFURUN/Nigeria: Delta State Government has handed over the Uvwie Modern Abattoir, Ugbolokposo to a private firm to complete, operate and manage for the good of Deltans.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Austin Chikezie, on behalf of Delta State Government handed over the Modern Abattoir to Verge Blue Enterprises at Ugbolokposo in Uvwie.
Hon. Chikezie stated that the privatization of the Modern Abattoir was to create jobs and wealth for the people in line with Governor Okowa’s SMART agenda, saying that about 200 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created.
He said that the Modern Abattoir would afford the citizenry the opportunity of buying and eating wholesome meat from a standard hygienic environment free from meat borne diseases.
The Commissioner for Agric who disclosed that Delta State Government commenced the building of the Uvwie Modern Abattoir, Ugbolokposo with eight others located at Boji Boji Owa, Ughelli, Bomadi, Kwale, Abraka, Ogwashi-Uku, Orereokpe and Asaba called on other investors to key in into government profitable venture and partnership for the good of all.
Explaining, the Agric Commissioner said, “Various investors indicated interest over time but none made any commitment until Verge Blue Enterprises in 2017 showed interest to complete, operate and manage the abattoirs especially the one at Ugbolokposo.”
While commending the host community for keeping the facilities secured for the past 13 years, urged them to extend the same support and cooperation to the new manager to enable him function optimally.
He also advised the Delta State Butcher Union to ensure an unhindered access of customers to the abattoir and the market and harmonious cooperation for peaceful operation of the Abattoir.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Sir Austin Oghoro, in his remark said the unhealthy proliferations of slaughter slabs and houses in the nooks and crannies of the State has placed Deltans in danger of consuming unwholesome meat emanating from unhygienic conditions of slaughter slabs and houses.
According to Sir Oghoro, “Delta State Government decided not only to commence the construction of these abattoirs but also invited private investors in 2009 to come in to complete and manage them.”
The Chairman, Uvwie Local Government Area, Hon. Ramson Tega Onoyake, who thanked the Delta State Government for the initiative, urged the people of Uvwie to give maximum cooperation to the company handling the abattoir to function optimally.
The Managing Director, Verge Blue Enterprises, Mr Benjamin Okwokenye, who lauded the State Government for the initiative sued for peace and cooperation from the people of Uvwie to make the abattoir function well, saying, “see the Abattoir as your own and let us work together as one”.
Present at the handing over ceremony were the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Festus Ochonogor, representatives of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom among others.
