Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area witnessed a pivotal moment as the Executive Chairman, Builder Deola Banjo, in collaboration with Ms. Ruth Olusanya and Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, spearheaded the inauguration of a state-of-the-art multi-million Naira blast freezer.

This significant project, established by the Lagos State Catfish Farmers Association (LASCAFAN), Ikorodu Zone, stands as a testament to the commitment towards revolutionizing the aquaculture value chain by enhancing storage and preservation capabilities for farm produce.

The grand inauguration garnered substantial support from farmers across the Ikorodu division and its surrounding regions, marking the launch of a game-changing World Bank-assisted initiative designed to revolutionize the agricultural landscape. The blast freezer, situated within the premises provided by Ikorodu North LCDA along Sagamu road inside the LASTMA yard, is capable of rapidly freezing farm produce within the temperature range of 24-40 degrees Celsius. This cutting-edge technology aims to significantly reduce wastage, thereby amplifying productivity and profitability for local farmers.

During the commissioning ceremony, Mrs. Daisi Osunkoya, the Lagos State Director of Fisheries, delivered an address on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Ruth Olusanya, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture to the advancement of farming. She highlighted the anticipation of increased dividends of democracy for farmers under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu.

Builder ‘Deola Banjo, in his address, commended the dedication of the farmers and encouraged them to leverage the blast freezer to propel their agricultural pursuits further. As a gesture of support, the Council donated the sum of Five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) to the association.

The ceremony also benefited from the presence of the Father of the Day, former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, who, in addition to being a distinguished farmer, shared his valuable insights on best farming practices. Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, in a show of solidarity, pledged his widow’s mite to the association.

The climax of the event was the ceremonial commissioning of the blast freezer, conducted by Prince Abiodun Ogunleye and Builder Deola Banjo. The ceremony was witnessed by prominent figures including Otunba Ayodele Elesho – the Agbaakin of Ikorodu land, Baales representing the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Oba Olukayode David Raji – the Eweye of Isiu kingdom, representatives of the federal Ministry of Agriculture, and various other distinguished dignitaries in the agricultural value chain.

Officials of Ikorodu North LCDA such as the Vice Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Honourable Ameen Apanishile, the host, Supervisor for Agric, Honourable Ogunbela, Leader of the house, Hon. Ayo Adekoya, Honourable Niran Wake Up, Honourable Sheriff Tijani, Honourable Abiodun Salau and Honourable Sulaiman Adewusi graced the occasion.

*Signed:*
*Information Unit*
*Ikorodu North LCDA*