DESOPADEC Hands Over Fish Farms to Delta Communities

Residents of riverine areas in Delta State have received fish farms from the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, as part of efforts to support local livelihoods.

The facilities were handed over to selected beneficiaries from Ijala and Ugbegungun communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area during a ceremony held on April 15, 2026, at the Commission’s office in Warri.

Speaking at the event, DESOPADEC Executive Director for Planning, Research and Statistics, Pastor Nicholas Efele, said the programme is aimed at helping beneficiaries build steady sources of income.

He said the Commission has adjusted its approach, allowing community leaders to nominate beneficiaries who will take full responsibility for managing the fish farms.

Efele described fish farming as a viable business and urged participants to make proper use of the opportunity to improve their earnings.

He added that the initiative was introduced due to reduced fish catches in many riverine communities, linked to pollution and environmental issues.

The Commission also assured that it will monitor the project to ensure it continues to deliver results, with plans to extend the programme to more people in future phases.

A beneficiary from Ijala community, Toju Ebietan, thanked DESOPADEC and the Delta State Government, saying the support will help improve livelihoods in the area.

Other beneficiaries include Toju Toser, Okoturoh Edwin, Omebeyinje Isaac, Omatsone Abugewa, and Omebeyinje Kingsley.

Stakeholders say the programme supports efforts to expand income sources in the Niger Delta and reduce reliance on oil-related activities.