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Fish farming, a viable source of income – Prof. Oyedeji
The Chairman of the Dynamic Fishery Club, University of Ilorin, Prof. N. B. Oyedeji, has urged members of the Club to be active participants in the rearing of fishes because of the ever-increasing demand for the product, and also because fish farming is a viable source of income to ameliorate the effect of the prevailing economic recession at individual and national levels.
Prof. Oyedeji stated this while addressing members at the inauguration of the Dynamic Fishery Club, held at the Faculty of Education Boardroom.
The Chairman stated that the Club, which is an initiative of the Faculty of Education, under the Faculty of Education Entrepreneurship Project (FEEP), was established to provide “a unique avenue for all potential fish farmers”.
Prof. Oyedeji, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Education, observed that “fish being a major source of protein is now expensive because of the high cost of importation. It is very sad to know that most of the fishes we consume are imported when they can be locally produced. Anything that can be done within one’s country should be encouraged. If local production is encouraged, the prices will be cheaper”.
He noted that the programme is important as it will help individuals to acquire the necessary skills and know-how about fish farming, adding that fish farming will help save cost of buying fishes especially in this recession, and help the nation to conserve foreign exchange through mass production.
Prof. Oyedeji pointed out that fish farming can be easily practised because “the two main resources needed – light and water, are readily available in the University”.
He said, “Most of the resources that will be used for the fish pond and feeds will be locally sourced”, adding, “By so doing, we will be saving cost of production and when it is time to sell, we will be able to sell the fishes at a much reduced price.
The Chairman disclosed that a proposal for the fish pond space “has been submitted to the University management and we are waiting for the final approval”.
At the end of the inaugural meeting, an Interim Executive Council was elected with Dr G. Bello as Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Adeniyi, Public Relations Officer, Mrs H. I. Alabi, Assistant Public Relations Officer, Dr (Mrs) Etejere, Treasurer, Mr. Oyedepo, Accountant, Mr. Abdulsalam Adam, Asset Officer, and Mr. Sulyman Musa, Assistant Asset Officer.
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