Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has revealed that his administration has committed over N2.25 billion—backed by strategic partners—into aquaculture development as part of efforts to ensure food security, create employment, and promote sustainable livelihoods.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The governor made the disclosure on Wednesday during the official launch of a fish harvest ceremony held at Ijako-Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area. Represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun stated that this initiative marks significant progress toward reducing the state’s reliance on imported fish and establishing Ogun as a major player in inland aquaculture.

Highlighting the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Salako-Oyedele noted that the programme was designed to revitalize the state’s economy through strategic investments in agriculture. In aquaculture alone, more than 3,400 fish farmers have benefited from government support, each receiving 72 bags of quality feed with a 30% subsidy provided by the government. This has resulted in the distribution of over 179,000 bags of feed, representing a N2.25 billion investment.

Governor Abiodun reiterated the administration’s commitment to agriculture as a key economic driver and announced plans to expand the cluster farming model statewide. He assured continued access to financing, inputs, infrastructure, markets, and modern technologies to attract agribusiness investors.

Also speaking at the event, Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo—represented by Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan—emphasized aquaculture’s role in enhancing food supply, supporting fish farming clusters like Igidaduro Abule Ewipe, and generating youth employment.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, noted that over 3,000 farmers and more than 700 fish farming clusters have been impacted. He added that despite Nigeria importing around 55% of its fish, Ogun produces 40,000 tonnes annually against a local demand exceeding 100,000 tonnes. He revealed the administration has invested at least N5.4 billion in various agricultural initiatives.

Traditional leaders, including the Onibudo of Ibudo, Oba Odutola Adewunmi—who represented the Olota of Ota—commended the government’s agricultural achievements. Cluster Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Jinadu, also expressed gratitude, noting that the intervention revived businesses that were previously struggling.

Meanwhile, stakeholders including the ACDC Chairman, Mr. Atiba Johnson, and beneficiary Mrs. Ogundipe Oluremi, raised concerns over the poor condition of roads in the area, which hampers access for customers and distribution.