Ogun State Government says it remains committed to eradicating Tuberculosis (TB) in the State by prioritising food safety, strengthening disease control and fostering cross sector collaborations to build a healthier, safer and more prosperous State.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo gave the reassurance during the year 2025 World Tuberculosis Day, with the theme: “Yes! we can end TB, Commit, Invest and Deliver”, saying it was a global event with the urgent need to accelerate collective efforts to eliminate TB, a disease that threatened public health and economic productivity worldwide.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Leke Otegbeye, Owotomo assured that the present administration would remain dedicated to its agriculture and health sectors to mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases, explaining that food security was not just about availability and accessibility, but also about safety.
"As we focus on this year’s theme, it is imperative that we also highlight a critical but often overlooked aspect of tuberculosis, zoonotic TB, a disease that continues to threaten public health and economic productivity worldwide" he said.
The Commissioner highlighted some decisive steps taken to combat zoonotic TB to include; enhanced disease surveillance and veterinary services, promotion of livestock practices, investment in research and disease control, as well as strengthening food safety regulations.
Owotomo emphasised that the State Government takes pride in agriculture and livestock production, as such recognises the need for a holistic approach to tackle zoonotic diseases, while ensuring both human health and food security.
He maintained that curbing zoonotic TB could not be done alone as farmers and livestock owners must adopt best practices in animal health management, with veterinary professionals and health care workers collaborating in disease surveillance and reporting, consumers should ensure consumption of properly processed dairy and meat, while development partners, researchers should continue to support the state to eradicate the disease.
The commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker represented by the Director, Public Health, Dr. Festus Soyinka stated that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to curb the spread of the disease and intensify its awareness campaign by visiting selected Churches, Mosques and schools to enlighten them on the causes, symptoms and prevention as well as treatment of the disease.
Speaking earlier, Permanent Secretary, Min. of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye emphasised that sensitising butchers and herders was necessary, as TB remains a zoonotic disease that could infect men from animals, adding that engaging them was a sure way of winning the war against the spread of tuberculosis.
Jokotoye noted that all participants should take precautions while handling both life and dead animals, and also cascade the knowledge garnered to others in their various localities to maximally reduce the spread of TB .
In their goodwill messages, Chairman, Myetti Allah, Alhaji Abubakar Dende, Chairman, sheep and goat farmers Association, Alhaji Jelili Asiwaju and Secretary of Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Olushola Adeleye appreciated the state government for bringing the stakeholders together to prevent zoonotic diseases and ensure food security.
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