The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in Gombe State has empowered 100 youths through a fish farming initiative aimed at promoting food security and youth employment.
The initiative, under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Community Development Service scheme, was led by corps member Ishag Abdullahi Shehu, who trained the beneficiaries in fisheries.
The beneficiaries received 2,500 fingerlings and 10 bags of fish feed during a presentation ceremony attended by government officials, university representatives, and traditional leaders.
Speaking at the event, the Gombe State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr Sani Adamu Jauro, commended the corps member’s effort and described it as aligning with Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s agenda of improving citizens’ livelihoods.
Jauro reiterated the project’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives in agriculture, water, and environmental sectors, and called on other corps members to engage in community development programmes.
Also speaking, the Deputy Registrar of Gombe State University, Mr Sarki Musa, who represented the institution’s Registrar, lauded the initiative and expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would sustain it.
Dr Charles, Head of the Department of Zoology at the university, said the intervention would enhance food production and economic growth in the state.
The Shamakin Gombe, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim Jungodo, who represented the traditional council, described the project as a life-changing opportunity for the youths. He urged the beneficiaries to remain committed to the venture.
Shehu said the aim of the training was to empower young people with skills, reduce unemployment and contribute to the state’s economy through fish production.
One of the beneficiaries, Samsun Musa Maijama’a, thanked ACReSAL and the corps member for the gesture, assuring that the beneficiaries would commence fish sales within six months.
