Graduate shares success in his fish farming business – "I started with 100 fishes"
“Fish farming in Nigeria is currently a very lucrative business, and it is mainly boosted by the continuous rise in the demand for catfish, which no one can ever meet the demand.” He said.
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Shodiya Olalekan, a determined Nigerian graduate, has shared his remarkable journey of transforming a modest start into a flourishing fish farming business. Following his graduation from the Federal Polytechnic in Auchi, Edo state, Olalekan decided to venture into the world of fish farming.
In an interview with Legit.ng, Olalekan recounted his humble beginnings and attributed his accomplishments to unwavering persistence. Today, he stands as a well-respected figure in the farming community in Lagos and dedicates his time to educating and mentoring aspiring fish farmers.
Olalekan's journey began with a mere 100 fish. He described his initiation into the field, stating, "I started with 100 fishes." He elaborated on his story, "After successfully completing my HND at the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, I officially went into fish farming.
I am a certified catfish farmer with a strong passion for spreading knowledge about the profitability of catfish farming. In addition to my farming pursuits, I have a keen interest in graphic design, content creation related to fish farming, and even engage in the foodstuff trade. Sholeks Farms, my brainchild, commenced with a humble 100 post fingerlings in a single 1000-litre plastic fish pond. However, today it has grown into a thriving fish farm with a capacity of 10,000 fish."
While sharing his insights and advice, Olalekan stressed the importance of realistic expectations in the catfish farming business. He emphasized the potential for substantial profit margins with well-managed catfish farming in Nigeria but cautioned against overblown aspirations, as any venture involving living organisms comes with inherent risks.
Olalekan also highlighted the current lucrative nature of fish farming in Nigeria, driven by an ever-increasing demand for catfish that shows no signs of slowing down. His journey from 100 fish to a flourishing enterprise serves as an inspiring example for aspiring fish farmers seeking to navigate this dynamic and rewarding industry.
