Rep Ogene trains, supports 50 constituents with grants for fishery business
By Jeffrey Agbo
In a continued effort to promote human capital development and foster job creation, Rep. Afam Ogene facilitated a training and empowerment programme for young men and women in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, on Tuesday.
The programme focused on entrepreneurship in the fishery sector.
According to Ogene’s office, this initiative is part of a series of empowerment programmes designed to boost various agro-businesses and other sectors in Ogbaru. In September, Ogene facilitated a solar energy training for 100 youths in Ogbaru, providing the participants with starter packs and cash grants.
For the Aqua Agro programme, 50 beneficiaries—comprising 40 women and 10 men—were trained at the Ruchem Beach Hotels in Iyiowa-Odekpe. The training was conducted by the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, in collaboration with Z-Index Limited and Ogene’s office.
The programme provided participants with practical and theoretical knowledge on how to establish and manage a fishery business. Training covered essential aspects such as the handling and nurturing of fingerlings, feeding techniques, types of feed, supplements, and maintaining hygiene to ensure optimal growth and health of the fish. Practical demonstrations were also included, allowing beneficiaries to gain hands-on experience.
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Each participant received a starter package containing fingerlings, plastic tanks, fish feed, antibiotics, and a cash grant to kickstart their businesses.
Lead trainer, Arinze Nzeli, praised Ogene’s initiative, calling it a potential game-changer for the beneficiaries. He highlighted the economic potential of fishery farming, noting that with dedication, it could significantly alleviate poverty and create self-employment opportunities.
Nzeli also expressed gratitude for Ogene’s commitment to monitoring the progress of beneficiaries and offering additional support to those who show commitment to the business.
Ogene explained that the empowerment programme is part of his broader economic development strategy for Ogbaru Federal Constituency. As Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Ogene emphasised that the goal of the initiative was not only to provide fish but to equip people with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable livelihoods. He reiterated his commitment to facilitating more skills acquisition programmes, including his recent solar energy training for youths, alongside other physical development projects for the benefit of the community.
“We are committed to giving our people not just the tools to survive, but the skills to thrive,” Ogene said. “Along with education, we are integrating economic-enhancing skills that will help people sustain themselves, even in challenging times.”
One of the beneficiaries, Oluchi Acholonu from Atani in Ogbaru LGA, expressed her gratitude, calling Ogene a “Godsend” for his transformative empowerment initiatives. She thanked him for providing not just training, but the tools necessary to start a business.
Another participant, Nkechi Nsofor, also shared her excitement, calling the Aqua Agro empowerment programme a “first-of-its-kind” initiative that would empower women to financially support their families, especially in today’s tough economic climate.