By Our Correspondent
No fewer than 1,000 youths in Ondo State will undergo a four-month intensive training in fish farming under the newly launched Eja Irorun Initiative.
The programme, launched by the Ondo State Government through the Ondo State Agric and Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), is aimed at promoting aquaculture, building entrepreneurial skills and creating sustainable jobs for young people.
Speaking at the official launch, the Chairman of OSAEC, Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, said the initiative will equip participants with the practical knowledge and technical expertise needed to establish viable fish farming businesses.
He said the programme is part of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to youth empowerment, agricultural transformation and economic development.
Akinsola urged the beneficiaries to be committed throughout the training, stressing that the goal is to transform them from trainees into successful entrepreneurs who can contribute to the state’s economy.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond skills acquisition, as it is designed to promote self-reliance, wealth creation and economic activities across the fish farming value chain.
The training will cover fish production, processing, packaging and marketing, combining practical sessions with business knowledge to help participants understand both the technical and commercial sides of fish farming.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Programmes, Mr. Bunmi Alade, said the initiative will develop human capacity and expand economic opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture subsectors.
Alade said equipping residents with relevant skills was key to building a productive agricultural workforce and positioning them to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agribusiness.
He expressed optimism that the programme would boost participants’ economic independence and strengthen the state’s capacity for increased fish production and value addition.
The Eja Irorun Initiative is part of the state government’s effort to use agriculture as a pathway to economic diversification, food security and inclusive development.
