As part of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda to build a 21st-century economy, the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) under the Office of Rural Development has launched the 2026 Fish Farming Training and Empowerment Programme across Lagos State’s five divisions.
The first session for the year took place at the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Secretariat in the Ikeja Division, with a strong focus on empowering community fish farmers.
The programme — themed “Building a Resilient Socio-Economic Community through Youth Empowerment” — aims to equip local fish farmers with hands-on skills, modern techniques, and essential equipment that will boost productivity, income and food security in their communities.
Training sessions combined practical demonstrations with business and marketing guidance to help beneficiaries scale their operations into sustainable enterprises.
Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, said the Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to making rural dwellers economically productive and self-reliant. He explained that targeted support for community fish farmers will strengthen local economies, reduce unemployment, and contribute to Lagos State’s GDP by creating viable livelihoods within rural areas.
Beneficiaries received starter packages including fingerlings, feeds and fish tanks, plus access to continued technical support from fisheries professionals. Dr. Agba urged farmers — especially youth participants — to apply the training and use the provided tools to expand their operations and create jobs for others in their communities.
Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, encouraged farmers to adopt modern fish farming practices to improve product quality, productivity and marketability. Mr. Musba Balogun, Director of CERUD, described the programme as a practical opportunity for community farmers to acquire knowledge that will transform their businesses.
Several participants thanked the government for the intervention. Mr. Folajimi Israel, and community farmers Mrs. Taiwo Adenike and Mr. Abdulateef Amusat, said the training and equipment were timely and would help them overcome economic challenges by increasing yields and income.
Technical sessions were led by fisheries experts from Akinloye-Busari Farms, headed by Lead Consultant Dr. Akin Busari, alongside officials from the Ministry and Ifako-Ijaiye local government.
The hands-on approach and equipment distribution aim to ensure fish farmers leave the programme ready to increase production, improve livelihoods and strengthen local food systems.
