To boost the fish value chain and improve revenue, the Ondo State Government has trained over 100 youths in modern fish farming under its Blue Revolution programme.
Speaking at the venue of the programme on Tuesday in Akure, the Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, said the initiative would open opportunities like production of fingerlings and fish farming equipment, shrimp production, feed production and enhancement of protein intake, among others.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governor noted that the country was still lagging behind on the United Nation’s standard in terms of animal protein intake, adding that his government would build an aquaculture resource centre in the state.
His words: “My dear people, we cannot continue to rely on importation of fish when we have seemingly idle water bodies. We cannot continue to complain about unemployment when we have openings that we can exploit to create self-sustaining jobs.
“Our population is increasing as a country; we are at present over 200 million. We are grossly below the United Nations standard in terms of animal protein intake. You can see why we have to redouble our efforts. World demand for fish is increasing continuously and I see this as an opportunity for us. We have no reason for the underutilisation of our water bodies like Igbara Oke Multi-purpose Dam, Awara Dam, Ogbese, Oluwa, Ose etc.”
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Akin Olotu, said the trainees would be exposed to mechanised ways of rearing various species of fish for local and international production.
He said, “Our Southern Senatorial District should be the hub of aquaculture. We have rivers that are underutilised. We have assembled young participants; availability is key; make yourself available. You don’t need a certificate as long as you are teachable.”
Source: AgroNigeria
