The Salesians of Don Bosco in the Africa Nigeria–Niger (ANN) Province continue to advance youth and community empowerment through the Don Bosco Fish Farming Empowerment Initiative, currently being implemented with the generous support of donor partners.
This livelihood project aims to promote sustainable income generation, practical skills development, and long-term self-reliance among beneficiaries, in line with the Salesian commitment to empowering the young and vulnerable people.
Project Implementation at Ijebu-Ode
The initiative is presently active at the Ijebu-Ode community in Ogun State, where a team of six beneficiaries is jointly managing the fish farming operation. The beneficiaries include:
- Mrs. Oriere Felicia
- Mr. Ameh Agada Michael
- Mr. Olorunfemi Lawrence Adubu
- Mrs. Omale Charity
- Mr. Akinbanjo Gabriel
- Mr. Onyi Micheal
On Thursday, 11 December, the team formally identified and designated a central feeding point for the fish ponds, marking an important milestone in the project’s operational phase.
Stocking and Feeding Schedule
The pond has been stocked with 5,000 post-fingerlings, which are being nursed for a three-month growth cycle. The beneficiaries have adopted a structured feeding routine to ensure healthy fish growth, with feeding carried out daily at the following times:
- Morning: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
- Evening: 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm
At the end of the three months, the fish will be harvested and sold, after which the pond will be restocked for another three-month cycle, ensuring continuity and sustainability of the project.
Accountability and Sustainability Measures
To promote transparency and financial discipline, the beneficiaries have been advised to keep all proceeds from fish sales in a dedicated fish farm account, rather than individual accounts. These funds will be carefully recorded and managed collectively for a period of one year, after which profits will be shared, and beneficiaries can transition to running their own independent fish farming ventures.
Appreciation and Support
The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to the Don Bosco family for the opportunity and support provided through this initiative. Special appreciation was also extended to their project manager, Brother Joseph Oduyeru, for his encouragement, guidance, and ongoing supervision.
The Don Bosco Fish Farming Empowerment Initiative stands as a practical expression of the Salesian mission to equip individuals with skills, dignity, and opportunities for a better future, one sustainable project at a time.