Okowa urged to build modern abattoir to safeguard public health

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to as matter of urgency build a modern abattoirs to save the meat industry and safeguard public health through provision of wholesome meat.

NVMA said Delta State government should consider legislation against some unwholesome animal production practices such as slaughtering of animal for food immediately after vaccination or antibiotic therapy without recourse to the withdrawal time.

The State Chairman of NVMA, Dr. Jowe-Asidi Isioma gave the charge in Asaba during the biennial general meeting with theme ‘ understanding veterinary entrepreneurship. 

He also urged state government to collaborate with force animal branch Nigeria police force to establish police dog kennels because of its importance in crime detection and mitigation.

According to him, NVMA is the umbrella association of over 10,000 registered veterinary surgeons, who are performing their various professional roles as public servants in the federal and state ministry, department and agencies, military, police, civil defence corps and  customs respectively.

“As well as very vibrant private veterinary practices such as clinical ambulatory outfits, livestock farms, veterinary hospitals, veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution companies,” Dr. Jowe-Asid said.

NVMA boss said that the meeting was aimed at repositioning the association for greater heights and create an avenue to appreciate those who have contributed in no little form to the growth of the noble profession.

Dr. Jowe-Asid however, thanked Governor Okowa for his numerous assistance to the association and the welfare for the packages for members in the state public service.

The Chairman of the occasion and the former Head of Service, Dr. Samuel Okpokpor said that the veterinary family is like branches on a tree, we grow in different direction, but our root remain one, we belong to the same constituency of veterinary surgeons”

“We should be proud of this profession because we are treading on the path of discovery and growth at the end of day if we are diligent and steadfast, he said

Dr. Opkokpor said that in 1969, I never knew or heard of the word veterinarian nor the profession of the veterinary surgeon, but we all knew about doctors, even the quacks and native doctors”.  

High point of the event was the presentation of award of excellence to 8 deserving members who have contributed to the growth of the association

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