In a collaborative effort to boost women’s economic empowerment and enhance the aquaculture industry, the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) and Mallam Ahmed Saba, the representative for Edu, Moro, and Patigi Federal Constituency, have trained and equipped 100 women in fish farming.

This initiative, under the “Renewed Hope Empowerment” program, targeted women from Edu, Moro, and Patigi local government areas in Kwara State. Participants received comprehensive training in fish farming techniques, as well as tools, inputs, and cash grants to establish sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the distribution event, Mallam Saba emphasized the program’s goal of eradicating poverty among women by promoting self-reliance through sustainable aquaculture practices. Represented by Mallam Muhammed Salihu, he also highlighted the ripple effect of the initiative, encouraging beneficiaries to share their knowledge with family and community members.

The training included the provision of essential resources such as 5000-litre capacity plastic ponds, 1000 juvenile fish, fish feed, and startup grants, enabling participants to launch their ventures immediately.

Lasisi Opeyemi, team leader from NIOMR’s Procurement and Planning Units, expressed confidence in the beneficiaries’ readiness to succeed, noting the thoroughness of the training process. Similarly, Alhaja Alasinrin Abdulkadir, the coordinator from Tripad Engineering and Construction, urged participants to use the resources wisely to transform their lives rather than selling them for short-term gain.