NYSC: ‘How SAED propelled my interest in fish farming’

The Chief Executive Officer of Dosh Aqua Farms, Abdulrazak Faruk Omogbolahan, has emphasized the need for the nation’s youth to remain open-minded.

He stated that, if not for his willingness to explore new paths, he might have missed the opportunity to enter the fish farming industry by not leveraging the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme provided by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during his orientation camp.

Narrating his journey into farming, Faruk, a graduate of Software Engineering from Al-Hikmah University, mentioned that his interest in fish farming was sparked by the series of lectures on farming and entrepreneurship that he and others were exposed to at the NYSC camp.

ALSO READ: Nigeria’s presidential system has encouraged society of thieves —Okurounmu

According to him, while at the camp, he was fortunate to be guided by the State Coordinator for the 23C Stream, Mrs. Esther Oluwatosin Ikupolati, who is a strong advocate for youth empowerment through innovative ideas and training.

“She invited a reputable fish farmer, affectionately known as Dr. Fish, to enlighten us about fish farming and entrepreneurship.

Her words, that we corps members are the builders of tomorrow’s Nigeria, deeply resonated with me,” he said.

Faruk added that under her guidance, the corps members had the opportunity to visit Dr. Fish’s impressive farm, where they were exposed to the intricacies of aquaculture.

“We saw a variety of fish ponds and learned the complexities of aquaculture. The experience sparked my curiosity and determination to explore fish farming further.

I began conducting extensive research, saving diligently, and seeking financial support from friends and family.

My father, Alhaji Abdulrazak Ibrahim, offered me his warehouse to kick-start my venture,” he explained.

Faruk, now actively involved in aquaculture, mentioned that he also used the time during a two-week protest to focus his energy on establishing a hatching farmhouse to produce catfish fingerlings and juveniles at affordable prices for aspiring farmers.

He noted that for the nation’s food crisis to be permanently addressed, there is a need to increase local agricultural production, as this would stabilize food prices and contribute to the country’s agricultural development.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE