By Chinaza Osigwe
The Anambra State Government has announced a partnership with Solidaridad West Africa, a leading international non-profit organisation, to strengthen aquaculture development and train fish farmers across the state.
Speaking after an engagement meeting in Awka, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, said the collaboration is part of the government’s broader efforts to revolutionize the agricultural sector and promote better nutrition among residents through increased fish consumption.
Dr. Ihejiofor emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for aquaculture to thrive, noting that fish farming offers significant opportunities for wealth creation and improved livelihoods. He revealed that 175 fish farmers across six local government areas have already been trained, while an additional 575 farmers are slated for upcoming training sessions.
“The training and empowerment of our youths through the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ initiative, where 15 young people will be equipped with aquaculture skills, is a critical part of our strategy to promote self-reliance and economic development,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka, expressed optimism about the partnership, stressing that the Ministry possesses the necessary human resources to drive the initiative. She called for careful selection of trainees to ensure the programme’s success.
Representing Solidaridad, Programme Manager Mr. Ken Onukwube explained that the organization aims to leverage skill development as a catalyst for unlocking greater opportunities within the aquaculture sector. He noted that the engagement with the Ministry would help align their activities with state priorities.
Programme Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer, Ogochukwu Akunna, highlighted ongoing efforts, including the rehabilitation of the Ministry’s hatchery for enhanced productivity. She also disclosed that Solidaridad has trained farmers in Anaocha, Awka South, Nnewi North, Idemili North, Onitsha South, and Aguata local government areas.
“For Anambra State, our goal is to train and support 750 aquaculture farmers, providing them with improved access to inputs and services such as smoking kilns and water testing kits,” Akunna said. “Additionally, we plan to empower 15 young women through the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ initiative.”
The partnership is expected to significantly boost fish production, enhance food security, and open up new economic opportunities for youths and farmers across Anambra State.
