LAGOS PLANS TO BOOST FISH FARMING!

Following discovery of inadequate markets as the major key challenge impeding government’s efforts especially in Lagos in local fish production, Lagos state government has concluded plans to build more markets to existing ones aimed at boosting fish farming.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, disclosed while addressing hundreds of crowd and sea food vendors at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Lagos Sea Food Festival, held at Lagos Bar Beach, Victoria Island axis of the state
     Fashola who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said that the addition of more markets were parts of the state government activities to boost local fish production to one million tones before 2015.

 According to him, “Today, Lagos state is known as one of the South West States blessed with the largest coastline of over 480 kilometers. And we all know that water comes with various opportunities especially sea foods.”
            He added “for a start, we have invited all the fish farmers in the state to the festival to show case their products. And to give them the desired opportunity they craved for in their chosen field. We know that even if we give them the required tools, if they don’t have the right avenue to sell their goods, production would still be hampered.”

The governor explained “This is one of the numerous activities designed by the present administration to tackle poverty in the state through creating enabling environment for all the sectors in the state.”
         Fashola, who also presented a total cheque of N1 million to the first three participants in the Pepper soup competition, while the overall winner, Mr. Oluwatobi Samuel was presented with a cheque of N500, 000, the first and second runner-up carted away N300, 000 and N200, 000 respectively. 

The governor continued “Today, we have seen that whatever talent one has, it is useful and this was evident with the pepper soup competition.”
            Fashola assured residents that the state government “will continue to assist the youths in the state discover their talents.” He however, charged the youths saying “While we are ready to do this, youths should also look inwards and come up with innovative ideas for the state. I can assure you that the state government will promote such idea. We know that investing in such idea will make youths become entrepreneurs.”

Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, noted that the state’s 480 kilometers of coastline and larger percent of the residents of coastline are in the fish value chain.
      Hmm, Fashola!!!  Eko o ni baje oh; nice one