A member of the House of Representatives, Dr Adesola Adedayo, has empowered 60 residents of the Apapa Federal Constituency with fish farming equipment. 

Mr Adedayo said the initiative was designed to create sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security and improve residents’ economic well-being. 

He spoke on Saturday in Lagos during the distribution of fish tanks, feed and fingerlings to beneficiaries from the constituency. 

The programme included about 45 fish tanks, fish feed, and fingerlings, along with practical training by fisheries experts. 

Mr Adedayo said beneficiaries would also receive continuous technical support through a dedicated platform for professional guidance. 

“This programme goes beyond distributing fish tanks and feed. We are equipping beneficiaries with the knowledge and continuous support they need to succeed in fish farming,” he said. 

He said the training was facilitated by a veterinary doctor specialising in fisheries and animal husbandry. 

Mr Adedayo urged eligible residents of Apapa and Iganmu to participate in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise. 

He also encouraged residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration by exercising their civic responsibilities. 

He said, “There are challenges, but every meaningful reform requires patience. Once the foundation is properly laid, the benefits will become evident. 

“I encourage our people to register, come out to vote and ensure that their votes count.”

The lawmaker said he had implemented several empowerment programmes across the constituency since assuming office. 

He listed the distribution of about 900 desks and benches to public schools as one of his interventions. 

Others included mobile phone repair training, Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) support, medical equipment for health facilities and other community development projects. 

Mr Adedayo declined to disclose the initiative’s total cost but said that establishing a standard fish farm would require at least N1 million. 

“The fish tanks alone cost between N350,000 and N400,000 each, excluding installation and other supporting facilities,” he said. 

Also speaking, Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area chairman, Alhaji Jimoh Olawale, described fish farming as a profitable enterprise. 

Mr Olawale said the business could improve household incomes when properly managed and sustained.

He said, “Fish farming is a profitable venture when properly managed. 

“This is not the first time we are supporting residents through this initiative, and many beneficiaries from previous editions are still in the business.” 

He said the council planned to provide committed beneficiaries with fish processing equipment to add value to their produce. 

Mr Olawale said the council’s department of agriculture would monitor beneficiaries and provide technical support. 

He said, “Our Department of Agriculture will monitor the beneficiaries. 

“Those who remain committed to the business will continue to receive the support needed to expand their operations.” 

Beneficiaries said the initiative would help reduce unemployment, boost fish production and improve livelihoods. 

Adesola Oyetomi, one of the beneficiaries, said the support would help expand his 10-year fish farming business. 

“I sincerely appreciate this support. It will go a long way in expanding my business,” he said.

 Another beneficiary, Fatimo Ajayi, thanked the lawmaker for the opportunity. 

“I am truly grateful, and I will make good use of this opportunity,” she said.

 (NAN)