Ondo State Governor Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday inaugurated the Ilaje Fish Market in Akure, an initiative by First Morey’s Services Limited. This market operates on a trade-by-barter basis to help alleviate hunger among local residents.

During the commissioning at Ilekun community along Oda Road in Akure South Local Government Area, Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo, praised the initiative as a pivotal step towards addressing food security without solely relying on government intervention.

He highlighted the fragmented nature of the agricultural sector, where farmers encounter challenges at every stage of the value chain from farm to table.

The project aligns with the government’s REDEEMED AGENDA Programmes, focusing on food security, livelihood improvement, and healthy living. Noting the rising food prices that have exacerbated hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the nutritional value of fish as a protein source. He asserted that the market aims to provide high-quality fish to consumers timely, maintaining its nutritional benefits.

The governor detailed various government initiatives supporting agriculture and food security, expressing commitment to the market’s success and readiness to facilitate similar projects in other Local Government Areas.

Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, Chairman of the Food Security Committee, commended the initiative and encouraged community support through patronage. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Natural Resourcesand Forestry, Mr. Olugbenga Akingbasote, Akinsola emphasized the importance of utilizing the state’s extensive coastal resources.

State Director of Fisheries, Mrs. Iyabo Olaleye, applauded the establishment of the fish market, noting that fish contains 78% protein with omega-4 fatty acids, thus underscoring its availability to the masses. She highlighted the market as a means of empowerment to reduce unemployment.

Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Foluke Daramola, thanked contributors to the market’s success, praising the trade-by-barter approach as a return to foundational economic principles. She stressed the initiative’s potential to improve nutritional cycles and generate employment, receiving government endorsement.

In his opening remarks, the Elekun of Ilekun land, Oba Benjamin Omolewo, expressed his joy at the market’s establishment, seeing it as a driver of community progress and development. He noted that the market would offer practical insights into trade-by-barter, a concept many know only from textbooks.

Managing Director of the Fish Market, Mr. Orioye Gbayisemore, thanked the government and customers for their support, sharing that the concept began with just N30,000. He emphasized the market’s goal to combat hunger and reduce food prices, calling for collective responsibility from both government and private sectors to eradicate poverty and hunger. He urged the government to explore the state’s abundant marine resources in Ilaje.