The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), in conjunction with the GIZ-Skills Development for Youth Empowerment (SKYE) Programme and the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), has commenced a 10-day catfish production training program for 150 women across the Lagos Metropolis.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo, while speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Skills Acquisition Centre in Ikorodu, disclosed that the 10-day training would be held simultaneously in the three communities of Epe, Ikorodu, and Badagry Local Governments.
Kalesanwo, who was represented by Mrs. Yetunde Adeniji, noted that the 10-day program is expected to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance the productivity and profitability of catfish farming, with a focus on empowering women and drastically reducing poverty.
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She pointed out that the first phase of the training was a huge success, with women, men, and youths in Agege, Mushin, and Lagos Island Local Governments benefiting from the program, some of whom now contribute to the welfare of their families.
Kalesanwo described aquaculture as a vital sector in building the economy and said that catfish farming is one of the most lucrative sectors in the industry, aiming to curb unemployment and empower residents towards self-reliance.
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She admonished participants to adopt entrepreneurial skills, which will be taught during the training, and enhanced bookkeeping practices to enable them to access loans through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), in addition to what they are going to get after the training, including certificates of completion and start-up packs to begin their farms.
A facilitator from NIOMR, Mrs. Abiodun Sule, commended the Lagos State Government for its constant collaborative efforts geared at improving the lives of its residents for socio-economic development.
