In a significant push to enhance food security and grassroots economic development, 50 residents of Igbooye Kingdom in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, have benefitted from a Federal Government-backed fishery empowerment programme.
EpeInsights gathered that the initiative, facilitated by the Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Tpl.) AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, was implemented in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and Unibuildro Resources Limited.
Each beneficiary received 1,000 fingerlings and seven bags of fish feed to support the launch of their fish farming ventures. The initiative also included an intensive training session focused on sustainable aquaculture practices.
Leading the distribution and training was Mr. Salawu Abidemi, who emphasized that the program is part of a national strategy to strengthen food production and build resilience at the local level.
He advised participants to view the items received as seed capital rather than consumables.
“This is not a one-off handout,” Mr. Abidemi said.
“It is a structured opportunity to create value, improve livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to national food goals.”
Speaking at the event, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa expressed appreciation to the partnering agencies and urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“This is not a gift to be traded away,” the monarch said.
“It is an investment in your future. Grow this opportunity. Expand your farms. Empower others tomorrow.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to driving development in the kingdom and vowed to pursue more initiatives that bring tangible benefits to his people.
“Igbooye deserves more, and I will not rest until we achieve lasting progress and prosperity for our community.”
The fishery empowerment scheme aligns with broader national efforts to promote food sufficiency, tackle unemployment, and support sustainable rural livelihoods through science and innovation.
