By Bolaji Opeoluwa
The Lagos State government has initiated an empowering program focused on aquaculture, benefiting a total of 2,160 participants engaged in vocational training.
This program was conducted at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Ogba, Lagos. Organized by the Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research on October 4, 2023, it was facilitated by RT. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, targeting both existing fish farming business owners and those aspiring to start their own ventures.
Representing Hon. Faleke at the event, Legal Practitioner, Mr. Olawale Ajala highlighted the unique nature of the participants in this empowerment program.
He pointed out that many of them are not civil servants and are, therefore, not part of the group benefiting from the recent salary increments approved by the Federal Government. According to him, each participant will receive a stipend upon completion of the program to boost their respective businesses.
In a significant gesture, participants were granted a stipend of seventy-five thousand naira (#75,000) to enhance their diverse business ventures.
They also received certifications that will enable them to access grants or loans from relevant agencies.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Nsoromotu Pascal, a businessman, expressed his satisfaction with the knowledge acquired during the program. He shared his aspiration to enter the fish farming industry and acknowledged the expense associated with it.
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However, upon learning about Hon. James Faleke’s empowerment program, he saw it as an opportunity to acquire essential expertise. Ogbuefi advised fellow program participants to use the funds wisely for their intended business purposes, emphasizing the importance of putting knowledge into practice.
Dr. Ibifubara Ayaobu-Cookey, representing the executive director of the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, stressed the potential of aquaculture as a complete business enterprise.
She encouraged all participants to consider venturing into this field, highlighting the benefits of self-sufficiency and the potential to contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
