Bisi Oladele
The Oyo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a private firm for the development of Asejire Dam as a centre for massive fish fish production.
The Ministry of Natural Resources signed the MOU on behalf of the government with Triton Aqua Africa Limited to produce hatchery for tilapia and catfish at the dam.
Signing the agreement in Ibadan at the weekend, the State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Mr. Fatai Abimbola, disclosed that, the Asejire project would comprise tilapia and catfish production in cages in the water body and in ponds. He added that It would also house a nursery for hatchery operations.
Abimbola further explained that the firm Was already finalizing plans for a large scale hatchery for catfish as well as tilapia with an initial capacity of 10 million fingerlings per year, and which is expandable to 25 million fingerlings per year.
When the project gets up in full swing, the commissioner said Oyo State would be leading in fish production in Southwest and the country at large.
“The project is very significant to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the state. It is the baby of the newly created ministry which was carved out of the former Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources by the present administration and it is in line with the intentions of the Governor Ajimobi-led administration to bring development to every sector of the state's economy”
“The project will generate at least 1,000 jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and more food for the people. Besides, it will generate more revenue to the coffers of the state and I think it is very significant to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the entire people of the state.” Abimbola said
While assuring the investor of a friendly operating environment before signing the MoU, Abimbola urged the firm to adhere to the terms of the agreement by providing employment opportunity to the youths while also operating in line with best known practices.
In her welcome address,the Managing Director of Triton Aqua Africa Limited, Mrs Oby Inuwa explained that the Asejire Dam project includes an initial capital outlay of around $3 million which will gradually be expanded.
She said: "We are keen to undertake the aquaculture project across Nigeria and are willing to commit investment of around $60 million in the next five to seven years.
"We have already set up a commercial scale hatchery in Lagos with a production capacity of two million fingerlings, We hope to get the production facility at Asejire Dam operational within six to 12months since all the formalities have been completed.”
She expressed optimism that the pioneer project would be a a reference point and formidable milestone in the history of aquaculture ventures in Nigeria.
She said the company chose Ibadan ahead of other states because of the favourable disposition of the officials of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the facility toured ahead of the agreement.
She also promised that the company would not import, pointing out that it would be an avenue for people to learn and develop themselves.
ENDS
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