By Obiabin Onukwugha
Fish farming is creating opportunities for Nigerians. With Nigeria’s aquaculture sector projected at having a potential to generate an annual revenue of $296 billion, fish farming has become a lucrative business across the country, providing employment for many..
A report by the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS), stated that the fishery sector produced 1.09% of Nigeria’s national GDP in 2020 and 0.97% in the Q3 of 2021.
Part of the success story for fish farmers has been that there is a ready market and can easily be established even in little spaces such as the backyard in cans, before it progresses to a larger farm. Whatever size, the business is lucrative.
Abdulrazak Omogbolahan, is a young Nigerian who has keyed into the economic opportunities of fish farming.
Omogbolahan’s journey into the venture started at the NYSC camp where he was exposed to the business under the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme provided by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He said his success story stems from his NYSC guide, who was the State Coordinator for the 23C Stream, Mrs. Esther Oluwatosin Ikupolati.
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Omogbolahan, who is now the Chief Executive Officer of Dosh Aqua Farms, stated in an interview that, if not for his willingness to explore new paths, he might have missed the opportunity to enter the fish farming industry.
Further narrating his journey into the business, Omogbolahan, who is a graduate of Software Engineering from Al-Hikmah University, mentioned that his interest in fish farming was sparked by the series of lectures on farming and entrepreneurship that he and others were exposed to at the NYSC camp.
“She invited a reputable fish farmer, affectionately known as Dr. Fish, to enlighten us about fish farming and entrepreneurship. Her words, that we corps members are the builders of tomorrow’s Nigeria, deeply resonated with me,” he was quoted as saying in the interview.
Faruk added that under her guidance, the corps members had the opportunity to visit Dr. Fish’s impressive farm, where they were exposed to the intricacies of aquaculture.
After the exposure Omogbolahan said he began researching extensively and seeking financial support from friends and family. He also saved his little income to make his new found dream come true.
For Omogbolahan, agricultural is the solution for Nigeria’s food crisis.
