The Lagos State Government, in a renewed effort to strengthen grassroots economic development and promote food security, through the Office of Rural Development, on Thursday organised a comprehensive fish farming training and empowerment programme for residents across Badagry Division of the state.
The training, which held at the Council Secretariat Hall of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ijanikin, brought together 300 participants drawn from Ojo Local Government, Olorunda LCDA and Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.
Addressing the participants, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, said the initiative was designed to equip residents with practical knowledge and hands-on skills required to thrive in the fish farming business.
Dr. Agbaje explained that the programme, organised by the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), goes beyond theoretical training, as beneficiaries were also empowered with essential start-up equipment to ensure immediate take-off of their fish farming ventures.
According to him, “The programme is structured not only to train participants comprehensively in modern fish farming techniques but also to empower them with the necessary tools to begin production immediately.”
“Our goal is to make our people productive and economically self-reliant.”
He disclosed that items distributed to beneficiaries include fish tanks, fish feeds, fingerlings, and smoking kilns for fish processing.
The equipment was formally presented to the 300 participants at the end of the training session.
Dr. Agbaje urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources provided, stressing that the success of the initiative depends largely on their commitment and dedication.
“I encourage you to utilise these materials responsibly and transform them into sustainable sources of income.”
“This empowerment is an opportunity to build livelihoods, support your families, and contribute to the local economy,” he said.
The Special Adviser further reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration to continuously uplift Lagosians through strategic empowerment programmes aligned with the THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritises social inclusion, economic growth, and rural development.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), Mr. Balogun Musibau, urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the state government.
He emphasised that fish farming remains a viable and profitable agribusiness capable of improving household incomes and boosting local food production, adding that proper management of the distributed equipment would ensure long-term benefits.
Beneficiaries at the event expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for the initiative.
Mr. Azeez Tolani described the training and empowerment programme as impactful and timely, noting that it would significantly enhance his capacity to venture into commercial fish production.
“This programme is very important to us at the grassroots. The support from the Lagos State Government will go a long way in helping us become self-reliant,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Hon. Abdul-Shenayon Anita, expressed gratitude for being selected among the participants, commending the Office of Rural Development for extending development initiatives to grassroots communities.
“The Lagos State Office of Rural Development is truly reaching out to the grassroots. We are grateful for this opportunity and the equipment provided to us,” she stated.
The fish farming empowerment programme forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to promote agribusiness, reduce unemployment, and enhance food security across Lagos State, particularly within rural and semi-urban communities.
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