ONDO LAUNCHES ‘EJA IRORUN’ INITIATIVE TO BOOST FISH FARMING, EMPOWER 1,000 YOUTHS
The Ondo State Government has launched the ‘Eja Irorun’ Initiative, an ambitious fish farming empowerment programme designed to promote aquaculture, develop entrepreneurial skills and create sustainable economic opportunities for residents, particularly youths.
The initiative reflects the visionary leadership and commitment of the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, to youth empowerment, agricultural transformation and economic development.
Through his administration’s strategic investment in agribusiness, the state continues to create opportunities for residents to acquire productive skills, establish sustainable enterprises and contribute to food security and economic growth.
Speaking at the official launch, Chairman of the Ondo State Agric and Agribusiness Empowerment Centre, Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to positioning agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.
Akinsola described the Eja Irorun Initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the aquaculture sector while equipping 1,000 participants with the practical knowledge and technical expertise required to establish viable businesses.
He urged beneficiaries to demonstrate commitment throughout the training period and make effective use of the opportunities provided by the programme, stressing that the ultimate objective was to transform participants from trainees into successful entrepreneurs capable of contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond skills acquisition, as it is designed to encourage self-reliance, promote wealth creation and stimulate economic activities across the fish farming value chain.
The four-month intensive training programme will provide participants with comprehensive exposure to the various stages of aquaculture development, including fish production, processing, packaging and marketing.
The curriculum is structured to combine practical training with relevant business knowledge, enabling participants to understand both the technical and commercial dimensions of fish farming.
Through this approach, beneficiaries are expected to acquire the capacity to establish and manage sustainable fish farming enterprises, explore opportunities within the aquaculture value chain and potentially create employment for others.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Programmes, Mr. Bunmi Alade, underscored the importance of the initiative in developing human capacity and expanding economic opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture subsectors.
Alade noted that equipping residents with relevant skills and practical knowledge was essential to building a productive agricultural workforce and positioning them to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agribusiness.
He expressed optimism that the programme would make a meaningful contribution to participants’ economic independence while strengthening the state’s capacity for increased fish production and value addition.
According to a statement signed by the Media Officer in the agency, Adebimpe Adeduyite, the Eja Irorun Initiative represents another step in the Ondo State Government’s determination to harness the potential of agriculture as a sustainable pathway to economic diversification and inclusive development.
With growing opportunities in fish farming, processing, distribution and marketing, the programme is expected to encourage greater participation in the aquaculture industry, improve local production capacity and contribute to the development of a stronger agricultural economy.
Ultimately, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to investing in people, promoting enterprise development
and creating an enabling environment where residents can acquire productive skills, build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the economic prosperity of Ondo State.
