A call has gone to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other relevant stakeholders to imbibe sustainable aquaculture practices that will boost the growth of agriculture and help to address challenges affecting the sector.

Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela made this known at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex in Abeokuta during the opening ceremony of the annual programme themed, "Sustaining Fisheries-Aquaculture Production Through Innovation and Diversification in Challenging Times" organised by the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) and the Ogun State Fisheries and Aquaculture Farmers Association (OGSAFA) in partnership with the State government.

Sofela, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola noted that the event would help showcase and promote opportunities that would help participants maximize profit and encourage more people to venture into fish farming, especially now that Nigeria is trying to diversify its economy away from oil.

Speaking on the theme of the Fair, the Commissioner pointed out that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other relevant stakeholders need to imbibe sustainable aquaculture practices that would boost the growth of the sector and help to address challenges affecting the sector.

The Commissioner stated that the State government’s partnership with the Federal Government led to the inauguration of a fish farming Estate at Eriwe in Ijebu-Ode, which is believed to be the biggest fish farm Estate in the African continent with an annual fish production turnover of about 2,500 metric and an income of about N2billion, assuring that the present administration would not relent in putting appropriate mechanisms which would aid the development of all categories of business including the fish farming sector.

He urged the residents and relevant stakeholders to leverage the opportunities available at this year's edition of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Fair.

The Commissioner while lauding the organisers also commiserated with OGUNCCIMA on the demise of its former President, Iyalode Alaba Lawson.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, represented by Director of Fisheries Services, Princess Omolara Ojelade said the present administration was working towards actualising massive food production which would address hunger and malnutrition, calling on stakeholders to join hands with the government by embracing integrated fish farming and tackling illegal, unregistered and unreported fishing activities.

In his welcome address, President, OGUNCCIMA, Engr. Mike Akingbade said the year’s edition was distinct because of the exhibition of different species of fish and aquaculture products that were seen as difficult to breed in the country, adding that participants would be exposed to remarkable feats that have been recorded in fish farming business in the State.