Residents of riverine communities in Delta State have received a major economic boost as the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) officially handed over newly established fish farms to selected beneficiaries from Ijala and Ugbegungun communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area.

 

The empowerment initiative, which took place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Commission’s office in Warri, is part of DESOPADEC’s renewed drive to create sustainable livelihoods and improve living standards in oil-bearing communities.

 

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Executive Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Pst. Nicholas Efele, said the programme reflects a strategic shift in the Commission’s empowerment model, with a stronger focus on ownership and long-term impact.

 

According to him, “We decided to change some of our rules of engagement. Community leadership nominated these individuals, and they will take full ownership of the fish farms with the responsibility to grow and expand them."

 

He described fish farming as a highly profitable venture, urging the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity to build stable sources of income for themselves and their families.

 

Efele further explained that the initiative was designed in response to the declining fortunes of traditional fishing in many riverine communities, largely due to environmental  challenges. 

 

“Fishing is no longer what it used to be because of pollution and environmental degradation. Fish farming provides a viable alternative that can bridge that gap,” he noted.

 

The DESOPADEC boss also assured that the Commission would continue to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability of the project, adding that more individuals would benefit in subsequent phases.

 

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Toju Ebietan from Ijala community expressed deep appreciation to DESOPADEC, its management, and the Delta State Government for the initiative.

 

"This programme will go a long way in improving our lives and supporting our communities. We will not take this opportunity for granted", he said.

 

Other beneficiaries of the fish farm empowerment programme include Toju Toser, Okoturoh Edwin, Omebeyinje Isaac, Omatsone Abugewa and Omebeyinje Kingsley.

 

Stakeholders say the initiative is a timely intervention that aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify income sources in the Niger Delta and reduce overdependence on crude oil-related activities, while promoting economic resilience at the grassroots level.