Thursday, May 21, 2026
FB X LI YT
Breaking
BREAKING: Fubara Steps Down from APC Governorship Race, Pledges Support for Party Candidate Sunday Igboho Unveils 50,000-Man Security Force to Tackle Fulani Herdsmen, Bandits in Southwest BREAKING 🇳🇬🚨: Nigerian Army raids Edo hideouts, arrests 12 suspected kidnappers in Owan East and Esan South East LGAs during coordinated clearance operations. BREAKING 🇳🇬🚨: Armed bandits killed a motorist, abducted two local government officials, and injured a Hajj officer in a daylight attack in Zamfara State, triggering fresh security concerns. BREAKING 🇳🇬⚖️: Former Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq reportedly in Egypt for medical treatment, declared unfit to appear in court by her counsel. “I Wish I Never Sent Them To School” — Oyo farmer cries out after four children, daughter in law and infant grandchild were abducted during the deadly school attack in Oriire area of Oyo State. BREAKING 🇳🇬🔫: Ogun Police storm forest hideout, kill suspected kidnap kingpin during fierce raid and recover AK 47 rifle alongside over ₦2 million cash believed to be linked to criminal operations. BREAKING: EFCC Releases Mugshots of Fleeing Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman After Arrest – Convicted 75 Years for N33.8bn Power Fraud
NEWS

Ondo State Sets to Develop Its Marine Economy, Collaborates with WorldFish

August 12, 2025 • 2 min read

August 12, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Ondo State Government is set to develop its marine economy in collaboration with WorldFish, an international organisation dedicated to transforming aquatic food systems.

The initiative aims to enhance food security, improve livelihoods in coastal communities, and drive economic growth through sustainable aquaculture.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, disclosed this during a meeting with the Officer-in-Charge of WorldFish Nigeria and Country Coordinator of the Fish Innovation Lab, Dr. Sunil Siriwardena, and his team at the ministry’s headquarters in Akure.

Akinola said the state government is committed to harnessing the full potential of the agricultural value chain by partnering with both national and international organisations. He assured the visitors that the Ministry, through its Fisheries Department, would give maximum support to the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) project already underway in Ugbo Nla, Ilaje Local Government area.

“The government is focused on diversifying our economy and improving food production, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our agenda,” the Commissioner stated.

Dr. Sunil Siriwardena explained that WorldFish, which began operations in Nigeria in 2019, is working in Ondo, Ogun, and Lagos States to develop pilot projects. After months of data collection and consultation, Ugbo Nla was chosen as the pilot for Ondo State.

He described IMTA as an eco-friendly aquaculture method where multiple aquatic species from different trophic levels are farmed together in a symbiotic system. The system not only reduces waste and enhances productivity but also promotes environmental sustainability, diversifies income, and mitigates risks for fish farmers.

“All necessary inputs—including cages, fish, feed, and technical expertise—will be provided by WorldFish. Once the project stabilises, it will be handed over to the trained and selected local beneficiaries,” Dr. Siriwardena added.

He also appealed for the state government’s continued support to scale up the initiative, allowing more beneficiaries to participate and increasing the economic benefits for the state’s coastal communities.

Welcoming the guests, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, commended WorldFish for its innovation and commitment to transforming the fisheries sector. She reiterated the ministry’s willingness to ensure the success of the project across the state.