The Ogun State Government has disclosed a major investment of over ₦2.25 billion to support aquaculture development in the state, with the goal of achieving food security, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, made this known during the official flag-off of the Fish Harvest at Ijako-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
“This event is more than just a fish harvest,” Salako-Oyedele said. “It is a celebration of progress, growth, and our administration’s people-oriented approach to agriculture.”
The governor credited the World Bank and the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) for their support, stating: “Through OGSTEP, we have empowered over 3,400 fish farmers across Ogun. Each farmer received 72 bags of high-quality feed, with government subsidising 30 percent of the cost. Over 179,000 bags have been distributed, representing a ₦2.25 billion investment.”
He said the initiative is helping reduce the state’s dependence on imported fish and positioning Ogun as a leader in inland aquaculture.
“Agriculture is not just a subsistence activity—it is a serious economic enterprise. We will continue to scale up our cluster model, while improving access to finance, infrastructure, markets, and technology,” Abiodun added.
He further directed the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite the development of the proposed Processing Zone in the area to reduce post-harvest losses and increase value addition.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance/Chairman, OGSTEP Steering Committee, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo—represented by Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan—emphasized the impact of aquaculture on food security and youth employment.
“This initiative is more than just a support scheme—it’s a critical strategy to improve food production and livelihoods. The Igidaduro Abule Ewipe fish farm alone has become a reservoir for fish farmers,” Olabimtan stated.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, said the project had so far impacted over 3,000 farmers, including more than 700 fish farmers clustered under various groups.
“Ogun State produces 40,000 tonnes of fish yearly, while the demand is over 100,000 tonnes. With Nigeria still importing about 55 percent of its fish, this investment is crucial,” Owotomo explained. “Altogether, over ₦5.4 billion has been committed to different agricultural initiatives under this administration.”
Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi, OGSTEP Project Coordinator, added that “the agency supplied 72 bags of feed capable of producing 1,000 fishes to each farmer, with clusters set up across the state to drive collective success.”
Representing the Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Onibudo of Ibudo, Oba Dr. Odutola Adewunmi, praised the government’s effort. “This initiative is proof of the governor’s commitment to good governance and agricultural transformation.”
Cluster Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Jinadu, appreciated both the State Government and World Bank, noting, “Before this intervention, many fish farmers had shut down. This programme has revived our businesses. We urge the government to help build the processing zone and fix access roads so we can easily transport our products.”
Similarly, Mr. Atiba Johnson, Chairman of the Area Community Development Committee (ACDC), and a beneficiary, Mrs. Ogundipe Oluremi, lamented the poor condition of roads in the area.
“Our major concern is the bad roads. Customers struggle to reach us, which affects our income,” Oluremi said.
