The Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) yesterday started a training and empowerment programme for 120 women and youths across Niger South Senatorial District.
The programme, sponsored by Senator Ndalikali Peter Jiya, focuses on fish farming and aquaculture.
The two-day training covers fish production, processing, marketing and value addition.
Participants yesterday had 70% practical sessions, with hands-on experience in fish farming and aquaculture.
The CEO of NIOMR, Gbola Akande, said to ensure the success of the programme, participants would be monitored for five months after the training and later receive starter packs, including fish feeds, medication and equipment, to start their own businesses.
He said, “We are conducting this empowerment programme for unemployed youths and women to make them self-employed and contribute to food security in Nigeria.”
He said the programme aligned with NIOMR’s vision to become a world-class center of excellence in marine science, promoting sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s marine resources.