By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

A member of the Federal house of Representatives, representing Edu, Moro and Pategi constituency areas of Kwara state in the National assembly, Hon Ahmed Adamu Saba has empowered One hundred women from his constituency with training in Fishery businesses, Inputs and cash for takeoff, to make them self reliant.

Speaking weekend at the distribution of the empowerment items in Shonga ,tagged”Renewed Hope Empowerment”which was organised by the Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research,in collaboration with the lawmaker,he said the initiative is aimed at removing women in the constituency from poverty.

Represented at the event by his Personal Assistant, Alh Muhammed Salihu ,the federal lawmakers said the women were carefully selected from the constituency and trained in all aspects of fish farming.

He said the women are also expected to trained other members within their immediate family or the community inorder to spread economic prosperity across the constituency and even the state.

Saba explained that the trainees have been provided with the necessary items to enable them start the fish farming business without any hitch.

The lawmaker however cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the inputs which, with the training and the cashbacking for the takeoff of the business would make them millionaires individually.

According to the lawmaker,”We heard that some people used to sell inputs such as this,but let me say that it’s foolish and stupid to do so with what you have been empowered with.

“This is once in a lifetime opportunity to become something in life,I can assure you that for those who are serious with this business,you’ll become millionaires within three months at least.So , selling the inputs will be a devil’s option, because there’s no amount of money you’ll sell them that you’ll not finish it and then remain the way you are “

“So,make the best of the opportunity to become something in life and pass the wealth and experience to your friends,relations and people in your community.”

In his remarks the team leader from the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Procurement and Planning Units,Mr Lasisi Opeyemi expressed satisfaction with the quality of training the women went through.

He said the provision of the cash grant and other working tools would enable beneficiaries start their business immediately, urging them to put everything they have been taught, including the inputs,cash and the training to judicious use .

For his part, the Coordinator and consultant of the training firm ,Tripad Engineering and Construction company,Alhaji Alasinrin Abdulkadir told journalists that the women were trained in such a way that they would be able to train others who are interested in fish farming.

He also urged the beneficiaries not to sell the empowerment items given to them , adding that they should use them to make their lives better.

In his remarks, the Emir of Shonga in Kwara state,Dr Haliru Yahaya , represented by Secretary of the Emirate , Alhaji Yahaya,said the training and empowerment would alleviate the suffering of the people.

Items distributed included a 5000 litres capacity plastic pond for each beneficiary,1000 Juvenile fish,fish feed,and a cash grant to take off .