The Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) in conjunction with Ogun State Government & Fisheries and Aquaculture Farmers Association, have concluded plans to host a Fish/Aquaculture fair in Abeokuta, the state capital.
President of the Chambers, Engr. Mike Akingbade, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference held at the Moshood Abiola International Tradefair Complex in Abeokuta.
Akingbade noted that the fair is scheduled to hold from Monday 20th to Friday 24th November, 2023 at the MKO Abiola International Trade Fair Complex, Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta from 8am to 6pm daily, with the theme: “Sustaining Fisheries- Aquaculture Production Through Innovation and Diversification in Challenging Times” geared towards improvement of the state’s economic status.
He said, “OGUNCCIMA is identifying with the Ogun State government in “building our future together” through enhancement of productivity in Fisheries/Aquaculture development and encouragement of SMEs that would transform into economic buoyancy of the state.”
Furthermore, Akingbade stressed that the fair will showcase various products and services of fish farmers, promote new businesses and promote made in Nigeria products, especially those made in Ogun State.
On her part, the Director of Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture, Princess V.O Ojelade noted that the theme for the fair was specific and would showcase potentials in fisheries and aquaculture.
“Through integrated farming and diversification, the farmers could get additional income by growing vegetables on the pond embankment.”
“I say it categorically that with these challenging times that there have been growing concerns about fish prices, diversification and integrated fishing is a panacea to food sustainability and food security ‘, she added.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Olu Ola Aikulola in his contributions stated that the fair is important for the state’s economy, as well as new opportunities for the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Dr. Aikulola while calling on participants to turn up en mass for the programme advocated for additional value that’ll attract investors to the yearly exhibition to boost the state’s economy.
