Korede Abdullah 
ADO-EKITI, Nigeria – The World Bank has projected that the ultra-modern abattoir under construction in Ekiti State will generate about 6,000 jobs and stimulate economic growth in the livestock and meat processing sector.
The Ekiti State Project Coordinator of the World Bank’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, disclosed this on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti during a community engagement and sensitisation programme themed, “Sustainable Abattoir Operations: A Pathway to Improve Meat Quality, Safety, Social Inclusion and Gender-Based Issues.”
Adedipe explained that the facility, when completed, would create “2,000 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect employment opportunities,” adding that the project was designed to transform meat processing standards in the state.
Adedipe stated that the abattoir would modernise livestock slaughter processes, strengthen veterinary inspection, and improve waste management systems to ensure better meat quality and food safety for consumers.
He emphasised that the long-term success of the project would depend largely on community participation and adherence to operational standards.
According to him, “the sustainability of the ultra-modern abattoir depends on community ownership, strict compliance with the operational standards, and collective responsibility among all stakeholders in the livestock and meat value chain.”
He further stressed that effective collaboration among government agencies, butchers, veterinary officers, environmental managers and host communities would be essential in maintaining hygiene, operational efficiency and the overall viability of the facility.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Butchers and Meat Processors Association in Ado-Ekiti, Omotoso Oluborode, praised the initiative, describing it as a major step toward modernising the sector. He noted that the facility would improve professional standards and safety within the trade.
Oluborode said the infrastructure would “significantly improve working conditions for operators, enhance professional dignity within the trade, reduce health risks associated with crude slaughter practices, and ultimately promote stable and increased income for those engaged in meat processing and distribution.”
Meanwhile, Adedipe added that the project prioritises women and youth participation, noting that it would promote skills development, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among vulnerable groups in the state.
About the Author
Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Mirian Gom 