The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and the Anambra State Government have trained and graduated one hundred and fifty youths in table fish production business programme.

 

The training programme geared towards improving the fishery sector of the state economy and boosting its Gross Domestic Product, GDP, is part of ECOWAS commitment to developing skills and providing opportunities for young people in its member states with innovative initiatives that will contribute to economic growth.

The youths drown from different parts of the state, according to the guidelines provided by the ECOWAS, underwent rigorous training under trainers drawn from various educational institution majoring in aquaculture.

Welcoming ECOWAS delegation to the graduation ceremony held in Mgbaukwu, Awka North Local Government Area, the Managing Director, Anambra State Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency, Mr. Emeka Iloghalu, revealed that the programme was bankrolled by ECOWAS in partnership with the Anambra State Government as part of efforts to move ECOWAS closer to the people.

He congratulated the beneficiaries for their doggedness during the training and hoped that they will make their contributions towards making the state the food basket of the nation, as according to him, the Anambra has embarked on a future partnership with ECOWAS, which will continue to record more achievements.

In their remarks, the Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, and his Industry counterpart, Dr. Christian Udechukwu, congratulated the graduands for having another opportunity to excel, and thanked ECOWAS commission for their support in the agricultural sector.

They noted that the fishery value chain is a profitable, viable and sustainable business venture, and assured the youths that they are on the right track, calling on financial institutions and well-to-do citizens to support and encourage the youths to grow in their businesses.

 

The delegation had earlier on arrival visited the point of training and inspected their livestock, and commended the trainees for their dedication and patience to learn.

In an interview with some of the graduands, Mr. Chukwuebuka Victor and Mr. Mmaduabuchi Nwosu thanked ECOWAS and the state government for the opportunity, revealing that the training was a highly intense one with practical aspects, and appealed for a low interest loan to enable them start up their businesses in the shortest possible time.