Kunle Adelabu
Stakeholders in Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ikorodu Division area of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, have commended the representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA) for initiating and facilitating the Ultra -Modern Fish Processing and Preservation Centre.
The stakeholders which include all the royal fathers in Ikorodu Constituency II, political leaders and fish farmers, spoke at the official foundation laying ceremony at Madan in Ijede LCDA, on Friday.
At the ceremony which was also attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, ,Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Hon. Aro said the project is a step towards boosting fish production, food security, job creation and development of the economy of Ijede, and by extension, Ikorodu Division.
He commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for believing in the vision, approving the project and providing the funds for its construction, while also appreciating the support of the Executive Chairmen of Ijede, Imota and Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDAs and royal fathers for their support.
Hon. Aro explained that the Fish Processing Hub is a key component of his Fish Hub Project, where fish will be reared through cage aquaculture at the waterfront before being processed, preserved, packaged and distributed.
All the royal fathers in the constituency and the three council chairmen also commended the state lawmaker for the initiative that would turnaround the economic activities in the constituency.
Officials of the Politimos Gold International Nigeria Limited, executing the project said that when completed the initiative will enhance preservation and production and also income for the fishermen.
“Ijede is well known for its good fishermen and women and for many years, a lot of fish and income have been lost due to lack of proper preservation. This centre will change the story.
With this facility, fishermen will be able to preserve their fishes, reduce waste and get better prices and feed more families. It will also create more jobs for our youths in Ijede during and after construction.
On behalf of the company, he gave firm assurances for a quality project and timely delivery. The project engineer also assured the community of safety while also requesting for residents’ full support and cooperation during the construction.
The Director -General, AMA Smiles Foundation, Hon. Ade Bolowotan, while welcoming government functionaries and stakeholders to the ceremony described the project as an initiative that will transform the local economy.
“Today is not just about turning soil or pouring concrete; it is about laying the physical and structural foundation of a shared vision. A vision that will transform our local economy, empower our fishermen and aquaculture farmers, and secure food abundance for our people.
“However, every great milestone bears the footprint of a visionary leader. As we gather to break ground on this transformative project, I cannot proceed without paying glowing tributes to my exceptional boss, leader, and mentor—Honourable Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), member Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman Public Private Partnership Committee,” he said.
Alhaji Fasasi Adekunle, President, Lagos state fishermen cooperative association, said that the project will boost fishermen’s business and sustain businesses for those that deal in fishes who have been facing serious challenges.
Alhaja Olubi, speaking at the event emphasised the social and economic importance of the project especially in the area of reviving fishing businesses and empowering the local community.
She commended AMA for initiating a project that will not only revive the traditional occupation of Ijede people but also give economic benefit to fishermen and residents.
A political chieftain in Ijede LCDA, Alhaji Wasiu Agoro, also emphasised that the project will boost local economy and bring back surplus of fish in ijede:
“With the project, there will be no need to take fish to Ikorodu for preservation and sales,” he added.
Hon. Elder Adeyemi Johnson commended AMA for his continuous quality representation.
He pleaded that Ijede youth should be considered most for employment when the facility is fully operational.
Alhaja Taiwo Fesomu, CDC Chairman, Ijede LCDA, while also commending AMA, urged local fishermen and sellers to take full advantage of the initiative that would be of immense benefits to them.
