Meat according to health experts plays a vital role in human health and growth.
It provides an essential deserved nutrient that enriches the functionality of the human body through the availability of protein and strengthens normalcy thereby boosting one's health and capacity for day-to-day activities.
In Ebonyi State, one of the major animals that are sold in the market, the donkey unlike before when it was avoided by many people over particular reasons is now relatively consumed by everybody across the state.
The relative experience in the consumption of donkey meat is obtainable in other states such as Anambra, Rivers, Enugu and Bayelsa who turn out en mass every early morning to purchase and slaughter the animals.
The people pack the meat in vehicles and sell it to restaurant operators and other consumers in their respective areas. Other animals that are sold in the market include cows, horses and goats.
Speaking on the role of the market in providing consumable meat to the environs and beyond, the Chairman of the Donkey market in Ohaukwu LGA, Alhaji Isa Yinusa Spinner said the market is very important to both the state government and council people.
According to him, the donkey market contributes favourably to raising the internally generated revenues for progressive governance as well as providing a means of livelihood to many people in the host community.
Spinner said many individuals in the area are already involved in the business while others render services in the market that put food on their tables especially now that the country is facing terrible economic depreciation which resulted in hunger and hardship.
Alhaji Yinusa Spinner called on the government to uplift the well-being of traders in the market by addressing the challenging environmental factors facing them.
He called for government assistance in the provision of social amenities in the market especially the source of water as well as adequate security to check criminality in the area for the safety and interest of all.
He said an unaccountable number of women in the state who are mostly involved in the business have been empowered as they sell the animals to them on a credit basis under trust not minding the risk associated with it.
He, however, appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to assist the donkey and other animal traders to secure a permanent residential area in the community to be addressed as "Hausa Quarters."
He said the state government providing Hausa Quarters in the area would enable them to feel more at home due to the relative cultural and religious differences.
Alhaji Yinusa commended Governor Nwifuru over his administrative mantra "the People's Charter of Needs," which he observed had greatly affected all areas of human needs in the state and urged him to include traders in the market in the next edition of his empowerment scheme targeted on hawkers and artisans to reduce poverty and hardship on the people.
Alhaji Yinusa Spinner received an honorary award as "The Ambassador of Peace," over his contributions to the peaceful co-existence of the host community and visitors especially the Hausa community through numerous engagements including Football competitions to enhance the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, particularly the among youths commended the administrative ingenuity of the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Prince .in areas of massive human and infrastructural development, especially restoration of peace in areas ravaged by trainer-communal clashes.
On his. part, the Chairman of the Hausa Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Oladikpo Yinusa who described Ebonyi state as the most peaceful and accommodating in the zone commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for his top priority in common needs of the masses,
Alhaji Abdulahi Oladikpo Yinusa appealed to Governor Nwifuru to provide them with a specific residential area in Ezzamgbo for a more conducive environment for their religious and other socio-cultural activities as most of them are Muslims.
The president General of Amike Izhia autonomous community Chief Goodwin Ishiali noted that the animal market in the area plays a major role in providing meat for residents of the state and beyond.
Chief Ishiali added that they are committed to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for businesses to thrive for the interest of all and speedy development of the area.
Editor, C Nwanosike.
