…reaffirms commitment to building a 21st Century Economy
As part of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu's commitment to advancing the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda and positioning Lagos State as a 21st Century economy through the socio-economic empowerment of rural communities, the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), under the Office of Rural Development in the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, has commenced the 2026 Fish Training and Empowerment Programme across the five divisions of the State.
The programme, themed "Building a Resilient Socio-Economic Community through Youth Empowerment," commenced its first edition for the year at the Secretariat of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area in the Ikeja Division. The initiative is designed to equip participants with practical fish farming skills, promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for youths and other residents across Lagos State.
Delivering his keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, reaffirmed the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to building a 21st Century economy by empowering rural residents to become economically productive and self-reliant.
According to him, the programme is intended to strengthen rural economies by equipping beneficiaries with the skills and resources needed to establish and expand fish farming enterprises, thereby contributing meaningfully to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Dr. Agbaje noted that the initiative would also contribute to reducing unemployment by creating opportunities for wealth generation and job creation within rural communities.
He further explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu's vision is to ensure that rural dwellers are empowered to thrive economically within their communities, thereby reducing rural-urban migration while enabling beneficiaries to create employment opportunities for others and stimulate local economic growth.
Speaking on the support package for participants, Dr. Agbaje disclosed that beneficiaries would receive essential fish farming equipment to enhance their businesses.
He explained that the programme was specifically designed to benefit youths involved in local business creation across the five divisions of Lagos State, ensuring that youths in rural communities are not left behind in the State's economic empowerment drive.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by applying the knowledge acquired and effectively utilising the tools provided to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities.
In her special remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to empowering rural dwellers through impactful programmes that continue to reduce poverty and promote inclusive development across the State.
She encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training by acquiring modern fish farming techniques that would improve the quality of their produce, enhance productivity, and strengthen their marketing strategies for increased profitability.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Rural Development, Mr. Musbau Balogun, urged participants to approach the programme with dedication, describing it as a valuable opportunity to acquire innovative knowledge and practical skills that would transform their fish farming enterprises and improve productivity.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Folajimi Israel commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for initiating programmes that provide practical support to rural farmers, noting that the empowerment would help ease prevailing economic challenges while improving livelihoods.
Similarly, Mrs. Taiwo Adenike and Mr. Abdulateef Amusat, both fish farmers in the community, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the initiative, describing the training as timely and impactful. They noted that the programme had exposed them to modern fish farming techniques and business strategies that would significantly improve the productivity and profitability of their enterprises.
The event featured practical training sessions facilitated by seasoned fisheries professionals from Akinloye-Busari Farms, led by the Lead Consultant, Dr. Akin Busari. Also in attendance were officials of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, as well as the HOD Agric and Social Service Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area and other council officials.
The event also featured distribution of fishing items such as fingerlings, feeds and fishing tanks as empowerment and supports to all the participants.
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