Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, Prof. Peter Onwualu, has unveiled plans by the council to train youths in fish and mushroom farming to curb unemployment.

Onwualu disclosed the plan at a capacity Building/Skills Acquisition Workshop organised in collaboration with Barracks Youths Foundation and Green and Scented Ltd  for youths at the Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja on Wednesday.

The workshop, which was tagged: “Barracks Youth Empowerment through Raw Materials Development, Processing and Utilisation”, is aimed at equipping the youths with necessary skills to embark on fish and mushroom farming.

fish pond

He said that protein from fish had been identified as the best form of protein, which reduced the risk of stroke and heart attacks and had no known health hazards. He said that apart from its use as food, fish was now being used all over the world for medicine, vitamins, soap and margarine, while mushroom was viable in iron, copper, potassium, calcium and vitamin D.

The DG, therefore, stated that the aim of the project was to create a source of employment for the teeming youths as fish and mushroom farming was fast becoming lucrative.

“Successful execution of this project among the youths could expand and give birth to inland fishing industries that would lead to drastic reduction in frozen fish importation. It will generate employment, reduce poverty and bring prosperity to the country; fish is very important to us and forms an important part of a healthy diet.

‘ Onwualu further said that the youths would also be trained in yoghurt making, adding that the council would not stop at training, but would also provide physical infrastructure and links to finances.

In his remark, Maj.-Gen. Mike Nasamu, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, said that any youth that derived competence in any of the projects could become self-employed and even employ others. He expressed confidence on the feasibility of the project, because of the availability of loan facilities made available by micro-finance institutions at the instance of RMRDC.

Nasamu said that with such projects, idleness among the youths would be curbed, while job and wealth would be available for the teeming youth. He thanked the council for the laudable initiative, and urged the youth to take good advantage of the project to attain financial independence.