By our Reporter
As parts of its promise to encourage farmers on best practices towards maximum profit and food sufficiency, the Ogun State Government has trained more youths in aquaculture and its value-chain opportunities.
Dr. Adeola Odedina,Commissioner for Agriculture, who made this known while declaring open a two-day training for members of Ikangba Youth Fish Cluster, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of the State, said the move was in line with the vision of the present administration to boost fish farming.
Odedina added that the training was aimed at linking beneficiaries of the training to various aquaculture value-chain opportunities, including feed mill and marketing, so as to expand their scope of activities, noting that the Cluster was the first to receive such training.
“We came here last year and saw what Ogun youths are doing in aquaculture, and we saw some lapses, so we decided to give them some capacity building training from the Ministry, together with some development partners, in order to support their investment and passion for agriculture. We want other youths to learn various aquaculture opportunities from you. His Excellency graciously approved and provided funds for this training, so as to take them to the next level”, he said.
The Commissioner assured that the Ministry would register farmers in the cluster in Anchor Borrowers’ Programme of the Federal Government, encouraging them to bring their products for sale at the newly launched Agro-Shop at Oja-Irorun, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Corroborating the Commissioner, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Hon. Tolu Bankole charged the beneficiaries to get the best out of the training and maximise the knowledge gained, adding that fish production cost is cheaper and one of the best sources of protein.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Dotun Sorunke said beyond the training, more inputs would be provided for youths to make all aspects of farming attractive to them.
In his presentation, the trainer, Mr. Mulero Muibi noted that the competitive nature of the society informed the need for trainees to be exposed to various aquaculture value-chain opportunities, to improve their knowledge.
Speaking on behalf of other trainees, Mr. Eko Nicholas, appreciated the State Governor and the Ministry for the support accorded them, assuring that they would utilise the knowledge gained for more productivity.