The Oyo State House of Assembly has referred to as on the state authorities to take fast 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 name adopted a movement collectively sponsored by Hon. Olalekan Abiola (Akinyele I) and Hon. Olatunde Kehinde (Akinyele II). The lawmakers expressed concern over the unhygienic technique of sun-drying cassava flour, popularly often known as lafun or elubo, on tarred roads and highway shoulders.
They famous that the apply exposes the staple meals to contaminants reminiscent of 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.
According to the movement, roadside cassava drying not solely poses critical well being dangers but in addition creates environmental and security hazards. The lawmakers identified that it may trigger highway accidents by obstructing site visitors, decreasing visibility, and making roads slippery.
The Assembly subsequently urged the state authorities to behave by way of the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environment and Natural Resources, and Health to develop sustainable options. These embrace developing cassava drying platforms in rural areas and introducing trendy drying applied sciences reminiscent of photo voltaic dryers.
The movement additionally advisable that the Oyo State Agribusiness Agency deploy Agricultural Extension Officers to teach farmers and processors on hygienic drying strategies. Collaboration amongst farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, and improvement companions was additionally inspired to advertise secure, low-cost drying options.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, recommended the movement as a well timed and impactful intervention, noting {that a} comparable movement was offered within the ninth Assembly however lacked adequate 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 House Committee on Food and Nutrition 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.
