ODSG, OSOPADEC STRENGTHEN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
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ODSG, OSOPADEC STRENGTHEN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) received a significant boost in its efforts to empower youths in the state’s mandate areas. On Monday, the Ondo State Government handed over fish farming equipment, including floating cages, to OSOPADEC for youth development programmes focused on entrepreneurship.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Agri-Business to the Ondo State Governor and OSOPADEC. The aim is to foster self-reliance and accelerate development in the state’s coastal regions.
Recently, Hon. Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Agri-Business, led a team of agro-investors on a courtesy visit to OSOPADEC. Discussions focused on collaboration opportunities to engage youths in agricultural ventures and enhance food security in the region.
Among the equipment handed over by Hon. Akinsola, who also chairs the Ondo State Agriculture and Food Committee, were predator nets, hamper nets, plastic drums, and iron platforms. In his remarks, Akinsola praised OSOPADEC’s commitment to human capital development, especially in agriculture, urging the youths of Ilaje and Ese-Odo to seize these opportunities.
Akinsola further revealed that the state government plans to make significant investments in agriculture after assessing arable lands in the mandate areas, aiming to improve the quality of life for the people.
Mr. Abiodun Olabomi, Director of Programmes at the Ondo State Agri-Business Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), explained that fish farming in floating cages simplifies harvesting and allows fish to grow in a natural environment, enhancing their nutritional value and economic potential.
Receiving the equipment, OSOPADEC Secretary, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, expressed gratitude, assuring that the youths would embrace these empowerment opportunities. She noted that fish farming is familiar to the local youth, making the transition to floating cage farming easier.
“We are considering demonstration centers in the Ugbo, Mahin, and Ese-Odo areas before scaling up the project,” she said.
In addition to fish farming, Bayo-Ilawole shared plans for crop farming, with 300 hectares of land already cleared in the Zion/Igbokoda area. The project is expected to launch soon, with trainees working in manageable groups over 4-5 months. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to be self-reliant.
“We are seeking partners to support us in making this a reality. We believe OSAEC and others will provide the assistance we need,” she added.
Bayo-Ilawole assured that the agricultural projects would positively impact the participants, making them productive and responsible members of society. She emphasized that women, in particular, would benefit, reducing their dependency on families or the community.
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