The Lagos State Office of Rural Development, through its Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), hosted a comprehensive Youth Training and Empowerment Programme for residents of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in a bold move to tackle youth unemployment, strengthen rural economies, and improve food security.
The programme, held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the council secretariat, was attended by key state and local government officials as well as over 50 enthusiastic youths eager to embrace modern agribusiness opportunities.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, explained that the training was designed to provide participants with hands-on practical knowledge in fish farming—from hatchery management to rearing, processing, packaging, and marketing.
He stressed that the initiative is in line with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s vision of empowering rural youths with sustainable economic opportunities that will reduce dependence on white-collar jobs, stimulate grassroots development, and improve the state’s agricultural output.
The training included modules on modern aquaculture techniques, business planning, value chain development, and environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Participants were also guided on how to transform their agricultural ventures into profitable enterprises capable of competing in local and regional markets.
As part of the empowerment package, beneficiaries received modern fish farming tools and inputs, including: Large-capacity fish tanks for hatchery and rearing purposes; High-quality smoking kilns for fish preservation and value addition; Bags of specially formulated fish feed to enhance growth and yield; Fingerlings of improved fish breeds to start production immediately; and Basic farm management kits and accessories for day-to-day operations.
The newly sworn-in Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to take the training seriously, emphasizing that agriculture remains a key driver of economic stability and food security.
He noted that with the growing global demand for protein-rich food, fish farming offers a profitable, sustainable, and socially impactful business opportunity for the youth.
He further stated that empowering young people with such initiatives will help reduce street menace, curb crime, and redirect youthful energy towards productive ventures.
Also in attendance was the Vice Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Barr. Adesanya Ayeni, alongside Mr. Musibau Muyiwa Balogun, the Director of CERUD, and a delegation of CERUD officials from the state headquarters in Alausa.
Their presence reflected the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring that empowerment programmes are effectively implemented and monitored for lasting impact.
Several beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude to the state government for providing them not only with technical knowledge but also with the physical resources needed to begin their agribusiness journey without delay.
Some noted that they had long aspired to start fish farming but were hindered by the lack of capital and modern equipment.
The empowerment programme in Igbogbo-Baiyeku is part of a state-wide rural development strategy aimed at building self-reliant communities, reducing rural-urban migration, and creating a generation of young agricultural entrepreneurs capable of contributing to Lagos State’s sustainable socioeconomic growth.
With the provision of both skills and tools, the initiative is expected to have a ripple effect, creating jobs, boosting local food production, and strengthening the state’s position as a leader in agricultural innovation.
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