Lagos Butchers Association Introduces New Leadership with Ismaila Babalola as Chairman

The Lagos State Butchers Association has announced its new executive leadership. Alhaji Ismaila Babalola, a well-known agribusiness operator, is now the Chairman. This follows a smooth and successful election process.

This change is important for the Association. It combines experience from the ground with organized business practices. Alhaji Babalola also owns AfiSuru Enterprises, a prominent name in Lagos for meat and agricultural trade. His leadership promises transparency, better welfare for members, and improvements in meat production and distribution in Lagos State.

The new executive team includes:

• Alhaji Ismaila Babalola (CEO, AfiSuru Enterprises), Chairman
• Samod Olawale Azeez, Vice Chairman
• Comrade Oladeji Moruff Adekunle (Aloba), Organising Secretary
• Moshood Olunloyo, Financial Secretary
• Abdul Mumini Yusuf Ajao, Public Relations Officer (PRO)
• Plus other elected officers from different areas of the state.

A Focused 7-Point Plan for Growth

To tackle challenges like inflation and public health issues, the Babalola-led team has introduced a 7-point strategic plan:

1. Unity and Progress: Bringing together all market units, abattoir branches, and trade leaders through open discussions and respect.
2. Economic Empowerment: Reducing costs for members by providing access to micro-credit and cooperative buying strategies.
3. Transparent Governance: Ensuring compliance with laws, regular financial updates, and involving all market chapters in decisions.
4. Food Safety and Hygiene: Upholding strict sanitation and handling standards in slaughterhouses, following guidelines from the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture.
5. Government Relations: Building strong ties with the Lagos State Government and other regulatory bodies.
6. Youth Inclusion: Training young butchers in modern techniques and trade ethics to prepare for the future.
7. Infrastructure Improvements: Advocating for better facilities, water supply, waste management, and stable utilities in markets.

Chairman’s Message: A Commitment to Service

In his first speech, Chairman Alhaji Ismaila Babalola said:

"Our emergence as the executive leadership of the Lagos State Butchers Association is a solemn public trust. We accept this mandate with humility, clarity of purpose, and an unyielding commitment to deliver measurable progress for every butcher across this state.

The meat trade is not just our heritage; it is a critical pillar of Lagos State’s food security and public health architecture. Through my journey establishing and operating AfiSuru Enterprises, I have experienced first-hand the daily hardships our members face, from spiralling haulage costs to poor market infrastructure. Our administration will blend practical commercial insight with inclusive trade union leadership to ensure that our butchers prosper and our consumers receive safe, hygienic meat.

The time for division is over. I urge every branch leader, market elder, and youth member to come together. Together, we will turn our association into a modern and respected institution."

A Call for Teamwork

The new leadership is calling on market elders, branch chairpersons, government bodies, and industry partners to work closely with them.

The Association reaffirms its commitment to lawful business, cleanliness, and the steady supply of safe meat products to Lagos State’s over 20 million residents.