The Executive Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Hon. (Barr.) Rosiji Oluyemisi Adenike, has pledged the support of her administration for the United Fish Sellers Association, Ojokoro, in its efforts to sanitise fish trading activities and promote healthier practices across the LCDA.
The Chairman gave the assurance when members of the association paid her a courtesy visit, during which they sought the Council’s backing for their planned environmental sanitation exercise and efforts to bring all fish sellers under one recognised body.
Speaking during the visit, the spokesperson of the association, Mrs. Abiodun Josephine, commended the Rosiji-led administration for its various developmental projects and interventions across Ojokoro LCDA.
Mrs. Josephine explained that the planned sanitation exercise was aimed at improving hygiene among fish sellers and protecting consumers from potentially harmful practices.
The Head of the Association, Alhaja Iyabode Habeeb, raised concerns over the activities of some individuals operating outside the association, alleging that some engage in unhealthy preservation practices, including the use of substances that could pose risks to consumers.
She also expressed concern over the alleged sale of fish under unhygienic conditions, noting that such practices could not only endanger consumers but also tarnish the reputation of responsible fish sellers operating within the LCDA.
The association therefore appealed to the Chairman for support in bringing all fish sellers together under one umbrella, as well as assistance in securing a suitable venue for their meetings.
Also speaking, the Grand Patron of the United Fish Sellers Association, Ojokoro, Alhaji Musa Olawale Bello, who is also the Baale of Ike-Oluwa Town, stressed the importance of having a unified body for fish sellers.
Alhaji Bello said a united association would make it easier to identify and address unhealthy practices within the trade, including the sale of spoilt fish, improper handling and inadequate covering of fish.
He explained that with all fish sellers operating under one recognised body, the association would be better positioned to identify erring members, educate them on acceptable standards and encourage practices that would safeguard public health.
He commended the Council Chairman for her efforts in developing Ojokoro LCDA and prayed for greater progress for the administration.
Responding, Hon. Rosiji sought clarification on the structure and operations of the association, including the bodies involved in its formation and its proposed mode of operation.
The Chairman subsequently assured the delegation of her administration’s support, promising to assist the association to secure venue of their meeting at the Party Secretariat as they have requested.
She also pledged to facilitate collaboration between the association and the Council’s Environmental Health Department to strengthen their sanitation efforts.
Hon. Rosiji further assured the fish sellers of appropriate recognition for the association, stressing the importance of organised groups working with government to promote a cleaner, healthier and better-managed Ojokoro LCDA.