Olayinka Olukoya, Author at Sporting Tribune

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday disclosed that his administration has invested over N2.25 billion to boost aquaculture in a bid to ensure food security. Abiodun made this known during the official flag-off of fish harvest at the Ijako Ota area of the state, noting that the achievement was made possible with the support of relevant partners. The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, added that his administration has been making efforts to reduce overdependence on imports and to position the state as a leader in inland aquaculture. Abiodun noted that the event was not just about harvesting fish, but about celebrating meaningful cultivation and people-focused progress in the state. He appreciated the World Bank and the OGSTEP team for their continued support and commitment to improving the livelihoods of citizens. "Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) was developed to strengthen our economy through strategic investments in agriculture. In aquaculture alone, we have supported over 3,400 fish farmers across the state. Each farmer received 72 bags of high-quality feed, with the government subsidising 30 percent of the cost. In total, more than 179,000 bags have been distributed, representing an investment of around ₦2.25 billion," he noted. Abiodun stressed that agriculture is a serious economic enterprise, noting that his administration remains committed to scaling the cluster model across the state, continuing to provide access to finance, inputs, infrastructure, markets, and technology—all in a bid to make Ogun State the preferred destination for agribusiness in Nigeria. He charged the Ministry of Agriculture to fast-track the development of the proposed processing zone in the area, stating that the initiative would further increase value and reduce post-harvest losses. Speaking on behalf of the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance/Chairman, Project Steering Committee, OGSTEP, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Chairman, Project Technical Committee, OGSTEP, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, said the programme underscores the importance of agriculture, especially aquaculture. He noted that it would not only boost food production but also serve as a reservoir for fish farmers in the Igidaduro Abule Ewipe fish farm and create more jobs for youths. He further reiterated the State Government’s commitment to supporting agricultural initiatives and partnering with relevant stakeholders with a view to growing the state economy through food production and job creation for young people. Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, said the programme had impacted over 3,000 farmers in the state, with a cluster of over 700 fish farmers. He noted that the country imports about 55 percent of its fish, while Ogun State produces 40,000 tonnes against a demand of over 100,000. He revealed that the present administration, led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, had invested no less than N5.4 billion to support various agricultural initiatives. In her remarks, the Project Coordinator, OGSTEP, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi, said her agency supported the initiative with 72 bags of feed that could produce 1,000 fish, and noted that fish clusters are spread across Ogun State. ALSO READ: Guide your children to realise their destinies, Panam Percy Paul tells parents Representing the Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Onibudo of Ibudo, Oba Dr. Odutola Adewunmi, commended the state government for its strides in agriculture and other sectors, describing it as a reflection of its commitment to good governance. In his remarks, the Cluster Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Jinadu, expressed appreciation to the state government and the World Bank for the laudable initiative. He said that before the programme, most fish farmers had shut down operations, but the intervention helped resuscitate their businesses. He called for further government support in establishing a processing zone and repairing roads to facilitate transportation of produce to the market. The ACDC Chairman, Mr. Atiba Johnson, and one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ogundipe Oluremi, also expressed concern over the deplorable condition of roads in the area, stating that customers find it difficult to access the fish farms. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE