Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has partnered with the Anambra State Government to train 200 youths in table fish production under the ECOWAS Youth Employability Programme 2.0.
The induction ceremony and official launch of the programme were held at the ETF Building Auditorium, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Emeka Iloghalu, Coordinator of the Taenprowiz Production Business System and Technology Partnership Centre, and Managing Director/CEO of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency (FABDA), expressed appreciation to the state government and ECOWAS for their support.
He described the initiative as a “comprehensive business solution” for fish production aimed at addressing youth restiveness and promoting employment.
“We are here to induct 200 trainees on the Taenprowiz Production Business System and Technology — a system that commercializes fish production,” Iloghalu said.
“We’ve spent about two months with the trainees, and at this stage, we’re here to showcase this milestone. Those who missed this batch will still have opportunities. After this training, participants can work as professional employees in the fish industry, join cooperatives as skilled members, or evaluate fish business investments.”
He commended Prof. Jude Obi’s team at the West African Secretariat of Ecological Organic Agriculture (WASEOA) for coordinating similar training sessions across Benin Republic, Togo, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Nigeria, in collaboration with the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria.
Representing the Anambra State Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, Mr. Kingsley Ozalagba urged participants to stay focused and make good use of the opportunity.
“Our visionary governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, established FABDA to make the fish production business viable in the state,” he said.
In his remarks, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray — represented by Prof. Jude Obi — lamented the high youth unemployment rate in West Africa, noting that over 75% of young people in the region are jobless. He emphasized that this hampers productivity and youth integration into existing farming systems.
Prof. Obi announced that the 10 best trainees among the 1,280 youths being trained across six West African countries would receive special rewards.
“With the number of vibrant youths roaming the streets, Anambra is doing well by investing in youth empowerment,” he said.
“ECOWAS will do even more as these programmes begin to yield results.”
Vice Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Omenugha, commended the Taenprowiz team and ECOWAS for their contributions to agricultural development and food security. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to achieving “Zero Hunger” under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our Healthy Living Farm promotes organic farming and sustainability while serving as a training ground for students, especially those in the Faculty of Agriculture,” she added.
The highlight of the event was the formal induction of the 200 youths into the fish production business by Mr. Gbadamosi R. Oyewole, ECOWAS/WASEOA Coordinator for Nigeria.
