The Lagos State Butchers Association says it is seeking approval to begin a pilot ranching scheme at Oko-Oba Abattoir while awaiting land for Eko Ranches.

The association’s Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Akande, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Akande ​‌‌⁠⁠⁠‍⁠⁠‍‌​⁠‌‍​‌⁠‌​said the association had applied to the Lagos State Government for 25 acres of land in Epe to establish the proposed ranch.

He said the initiative, conceived about three years ago, would enable butchers to participate directly in cattle production and reduce dependence on livestock transported from distant locations.

Akande said the association had approached the state Ministry of Agriculture to request the land on lease and registered Eko Ranches with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“Three years ago, it was an idea. We formed a committee on how to go about it. We registered with the CAC and have already obtained our certificate for the name we want to use as Eko Ranches,” he said.

He said the association was yet to secure the land, which he described as government-owned property in Epe.

Akande added that several companies and private investors had also applied for land in the area for ranching purposes.

“The Lagos State Government has been the one delaying us. There are some things the government is planning to do that have not been put in place yet,” he said.

He said the association had continued to participate in seminars preparing stakeholders for the proposed farm settlement, including a recent meeting at Eko Hotel.

According to him, security and the provision of essential facilities are among the issues yet to be fully addressed.

Akande said the association was exploring alternatives to avoid waiting indefinitely for the land allocation.

He said members had resolved at a recent meeting to approach the Ministry of Agriculture again for approval to use two unused structures at Oko-Oba Abattoir for a pilot scheme.

“We have agreed to apply for two structures to start a test run. We are not relenting on it, and we feel we can start by test-running the project,” he said.

Akande said the pilot scheme would enable the association to begin operations on a smaller scale while continuing to pursue its application for land in Epe.

He said the proposed 25-acre ranch would primarily be used to cultivate cattle feed, an essential component of the project.

Akande said the association remained committed to advancing the initiative in spite of delays in securing land and providing the necessary facilities.

He said the association represented butchers across Lagos State and had taken steps to keep members informed about the ranching initiative.

According to him, chairmen of local government chapters and women leaders participated in meetings where decisions and updates on the project were discussed.

“These women leaders are like our ambassadors who carry the messages to the chairmen and secretaries in the local governments. They get reports on whatever is discussed at the meetings,” he said.

Akande said the arrangement ensured that information about the proposed ranch reached butchers operating in markets across the state.

He added that members understood Eko Ranches was still a work in progress and that the association was making efforts to advance it.

Akande said the association would continue to engage relevant government authorities to secure the necessary approvals and facilities.

He said the initiative was expected to support local cattle production and potentially reduce the logistical challenges associated with transporting livestock over long distances.

Akande assured that the association would continue pursuing the project while seeking approval to commence a pilot scheme at Oko-Oba Abattoir.