… To Boosts Aquaculture and Food Security Drive

In a significant step towards boosting aquaculture and strengthening food security in Lagos State, the member representing Ikorodu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ijede Fish Hub Building Project, a Lagos State Government initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture.

The project is expected to enhance fish production, reduce post-harvest losses, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth across Ikorodu Constituency II.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Aro described the project as the fulfilment of a long-held vision to harness the constituency’s vast waterways for economic development. He expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for believing in the vision, approving the project and providing the necessary funding.

He also appreciated the Executive Chairmen of Ijede, Imota and Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDAs for their unwavering support and partnership in bringing the initiative to fruition.

The lawmaker noted that despite Ikorodu Constituency II being surrounded by rivers and lagoons, the area had yet to fully maximise its enormous potential in fish production. He explained that the Fish Hub would feature a modern processing facility where fish can be processed, preserved, packaged and marketed, reducing post-harvest losses, increasing production, creating employment opportunities for youths and women, improving food security and making quality fish more affordable across Lagos State.

He added that the vision goes beyond erecting a building, stressing that the project is designed to position Ikorodu Constituency II as a leading hub for fish farming and fish processing in Nigeria. He therefore called on government agencies, private investors, development partners and financial institutions to support the initiative to ensure its sustainability and long-term success.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Fatai Audu, described the Ijede Fish Hub Building Project as a strategic intervention by the Lagos State Government to address the persistent challenge of post-harvest losses affecting artisanal fishing communities across the state, from Badagry through Ijede to the Lekki and Epe axis.

He noted that between 40 and 50 per cent of fish harvested by local fishermen is lost after harvest due to inadequate processing and preservation facilities, while the remaining catch often loses value because fishermen are unable to access premium and international markets, forcing them to sell below their true market value.

According to him, the challenge informed the state’s decision to establish modern fish processing centres built to international standards. He explained that, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Fisheries and the Aquaculture Division of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Lagos State is developing certified processing facilities that will enable locally processed fish to compete in both domestic and export markets.

Audu described the Ijede Fish Hub Building Project as the flagship model of the initiative, attributing its successful siting in Ijede to the strong collaboration between the Lagos State Government and Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun. He commended the lawmaker for facilitating the project, saying it reflects the positive impact of synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government in delivering meaningful development to grassroots communities.

He explained that the processing building is only one component of the larger initiative, revealing that plans are underway to develop modern fish production infrastructure, including cage culture facilities through private sector investment, to ensure a steady supply of fish to the processing hub.

He expressed confidence that the project would position Ijede as a major fish production and processing hub with access to international markets, while boosting the local economy, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities across Ikorodu Constituency II.

The Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, described the project as a testament to quality representation and the first of its kind in the area, expressing confidence that it would bring lasting economic and social benefits to the people.

Oba Saheed Hassan Adefarasin expressed delight over the initiative and prayed for its successful completion, saying residents would have every reason to celebrate when the project becomes operational.

The Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, applauded Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun for facilitating the laudable project, describing it as another milestone in the development of Ikorodu Constituency II.

The Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, Oba Abdulhakeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, also commended the lawmaker for attracting the project to the constituency, describing it as a remarkable initiative that would positively impact the lives of residents.

Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, appreciated Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun for always putting Ijede first in his developmental agenda, noting that the project would benefit not only Ijede but the entire constituency.

Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun urged residents to prepare their children and young people with the necessary skills ahead of the project’s completion so they could take advantage of the employment opportunities it would create.

He described Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun as an outstanding representative whose commitment to the welfare of his constituents remains unmatched, noting that he has consistently intervened to resolve issues affecting residents across various government agencies. He also appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated six-month timeframe.

Hon. Sunday Benson commended the initiative, describing it as a development that would benefit not only Ijede but every community in Ikorodu Constituency II.

Hon. Ade Bolowotan, Director-General of the SMILE Foundation, described Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun as a worthy representative whose passion for the welfare and development of the people remains unwavering.

He highlighted the numerous constituency projects and developmental initiatives facilitated by the lawmaker across Ikorodu Constituency II, describing them as clear evidence of purposeful and people-centred representation. He added that the Fish Hub Building Project is another landmark intervention and expressed confidence that it would not be the last major project to be attracted to the constituency by the lawmaker.

Project Supervisor, Engr. Bello Olalekan, reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project within the stipulated six-month period and appealed to residents for their cooperation throughout the construction phase.

Community leaders also welcomed the initiative. Alhaji Fahm, a member of the Apex Council in Ijede LCDA, said the project would revive fish farming in the area and significantly reduce the losses suffered by fish sellers due to inadequate preservation facilities.

Also speaking, Alhaja Mariam Olubi, a member of the Apex Council, commended Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun for the initiative, expressing optimism that the project would provide fish traders with a modern facility to process, preserve and market their products more efficiently.

Hon. Wasiu Agoro said the era of fish spoilage would soon become a thing of the past with the availability of modern preservation facilities, while the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Ijede LCDA, Alhaja Kehinde Fesomu, applauded Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun for bringing the impactful project to the community, describing it as a development that would benefit generations to come.