The Lagos State Government is working out arrangements to establish large fish farm estate that will cut across three communities in Ayobo-Ipaja, in Alimosho Local Government Area of the state, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau, has said.

Suarau made this public while receiving traditional rulers and land owners from Baba Ode, Jagundeyi and Atitebi communities in Ayobo-Ipaja, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He stated that the project was at the instance of the communities, stating that the request was made during the maiden Quarterly Town-Hall Meeting of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s in Alimosho area.

“The Government of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is committed to fulfill all the promises he made to Lagosians during his electioneering campaign and therefore has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to initiate action towards the fulfillment of those promises which include the establishment of the fish farm estate,” Suarau said.

He affirmed that the project would create job opportunities, stimulate economic activities in the host communities and also facilitate the development of other infrastructural development, such as roads, thus necessitating its successful implementation in the benefitting areas.

The commissioner gave assurance that work would commence on the project once the memorandum of understanding between the government and affected communities is signed.

He explained that fish farming has been identified as the next viable option for increasing domestic fishing production, a realisation that has continually propelled government’s investment and support in the sector.

Suarau recalled the success recorded in Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate, while allocation of plots of land for fish farming is almost concluded at the new Ketu-Ereyun Fish Farm Estate in Epe.

The commissioner however stated that the successes recorded notwithstanding, more investors are still needed in the sector to meet the demand of the ever growing population in the state.

Responding, High Chief Wasiu Akinsola thanked the government on behalf of the traditional rulers and people of the area for acceding to their request of establishing the fish farm in their communities and expressed the willingness of the communities to make their land available for the project as well as secure the project in order to help the government to fulfill its promises.

•Photo shows Governor Ambode.

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