Lawmakers name for safer cassava processing strategies in Oyo

The Oyo State Home of Meeting has referred to as on the state authorities to take rapid motion to finish the widespread apply of drying cassava flour on roadsides throughout the state. The transfer goals to safeguard public well being and promote meals security requirements.

The decision adopted a movement collectively sponsored by Hon. Olalekan Abiola (Akinyele I) and Hon. Olatunde Kehinde (Akinyele II). The lawmakers expressed concern over the unhygienic methodology of sun-drying cassava flour, popularly often known as lafun or elubo, on tarred roads and street shoulders.

They famous that the apply exposes the staple meals to contaminants resembling mud, engine oil, heavy metals, microbes, and animal droppings, making it unsafe for human consumption. The lawmakers additionally warned that the behavior may appeal to rodents just like the mastomys rat, which carries the Lassa fever virus.

In response to the movement, roadside cassava drying not solely poses critical well being dangers but additionally creates environmental and security hazards. The lawmakers identified that it could possibly trigger street accidents by obstructing visitors, lowering visibility, and making roads slippery.

The Meeting subsequently urged the state authorities to behave by way of the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Growth, Setting and Pure Assets, and Well being to develop sustainable alternate options. These embody establishing cassava drying platforms in rural areas and introducing trendy drying applied sciences resembling photo voltaic dryers.

The movement additionally really useful that the Oyo State Agribusiness Company deploy Agricultural Extension Officers to coach farmers and processors on hygienic drying strategies. Collaboration amongst farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, and improvement companions was additionally inspired to advertise protected, low-cost drying options.

Speaker of the Home, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, recommended the movement as a well timed and impactful intervention, noting {that a} comparable movement was introduced within the ninth Meeting however lacked enough follow-through.

He emphasised that whereas the apply stems from insufficient infrastructure, it should now be addressed to guard public well being and the state’s picture. The Home Committee on Meals and Vitamin was directed to work with related ministries to develop a regulatory framework for cassava processing to make sure compliance with well being and security requirements throughout the state.