Veterinary professionals in Oyo State have called for strengthened food safety systems and improved public health standards as they celebrated World Veterinary Day in Ibadan on Saturday.
The event, organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Oyo State branch, was held at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Auditorium, University of Ibadan, bringing together stakeholders across the livestock and food production value chain.
Delivering a keynote lecture, Prof. Victoria Adetunji of the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine emphasised the need for a holistic “farm-to-fork” approach to ensuring food safety.
“Food safety is not a one-point responsibility; it is a continuum that begins from the farm and ends at the consumer’s table. Any lapse along that chain can expose the public to serious health risks,” she said.
She warned against poor hygiene practices in food processing and distribution, noting that unsafe handling of meat and animal products could lead to foodborne illnesses, economic losses, and public health crises.
“We must enforce strict hygiene practices at every stage, from animal rearing to slaughtering, processing, transportation, and final consumption. If we fail at any stage, the consequences can be devastating,” Adetunji added.
She further decried practices such as the slaughter of sick animals, misuse of antimicrobials, and poor sanitation in abattoirs, stressing that such actions undermine both public health and confidence in the food system.
Also speaking, Dr Ibrahim Akande stressed the importance of routine inspections in abattoirs to prevent zoonotic diseases and protect consumers.
“Routine inspection of meat is not optional; it is critical to preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases. Contaminated meat can easily transmit infections from animals to humans if not properly checked,” he said.
He also urged the public to adopt safer consumption habits, noting that food safety is a shared responsibility between professionals and consumers.
“People must take responsibility for what they consume. Buy meat only from certified sources, ensure proper cooking, and maintain hygiene when handling food. Public health begins with individual choices,” Akande said.
He added that veterinarians must intensify public awareness through media engagement and community outreach.
“Veterinarians are the unsung guardians of the food chain. We must take our message beyond clinics and abattoirs to the markets, the media, and the communities,”he stated.
In a message delivered on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the government reaffirmed its commitment to improving food safety and animal health systems.
Represented by Dr Abimbola Oladapo, the commissioner noted that veterinarians remain central to disease surveillance, prevention of zoonotic infections, and enforcement of food safety standards.
He highlighted recent interventions by the state government, including the recruitment of 20 veterinary doctors and 25 animal health technologists, as well as ongoing vaccination programmes and the rehabilitation of animal health facilities.
“The contributions of veterinarians are critical to strengthening food systems, enhancing livestock productivity, and protecting public health,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NVMA in the state, Dr Bolaji Olaomo, described veterinarians as critical “guardians of food and health,” noting that their contributions to public health, food safety, and economic stability remain indispensable.
Olaomo said veterinarians play a frontline role in preventing the transmission of diseases from animals to humans, ensuring that meat and other animal products consumed by the public are safe and fit.
“They serve as gatekeepers, ensuring that diseases do not cross from animals to humans. Through proper inspection at abattoirs and slaughter slabs, they guarantee wholesome meat for human consumption,” he said.
He added that beyond food safety, veterinary professionals also contribute to the livelihoods and emotional well-being of individuals by managing livestock and caring for pets.
The NVMA chairman, however, urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen its investment in veterinary services by deploying qualified veterinarians across all local government areas and local council development areas in the state.
While commending the recent employment of veterinary professionals by the government, Olaomo stressed that more personnel were needed to ensure daily inspection of meat consumed across the state.
“The health of our people depends largely on what they eat. There is a need to ensure that every part of the state has access to proper veterinary inspection services,” he added.
The event was chaired by Hon. (Dr.) Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency and Special Adviser on Fire Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde.
Stakeholders present included veterinarians, representatives of farmers’ associations, cattle and livestock dealers, butchers, and food vendors, highlighting the collaborative role required across sectors to ensure food safety.
