By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-UTEH:

ATSEPOYI TOLA BILLY, from Warri South West Local Government Area, is a graduate of the Delta State University where he studied Biology Education. He was unemployed for two years till he got enrolled in the 2017/2018 cycle of the Delta State Government’s Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP.) He is the CEO of Atse Aqua Enterprise located at YAGEP Fish Farm Cluster Ugbokodo-Okpe in Okpe Local Government Area.

Three years after establishment, Billy is making progress. He is independent of his parents, having rented and furnished his own apartment, got married and is taking care of his family. He tells his story.

“Thanks to God that I am still in here in spite of the challenges of oil spillage and flooding. At present, I have progressed from two ponds and 2,000 fishes to four ponds and 6,000 fishes. I had a stock of 10,000 fishes at a time. The knowledge and experience I have gained in the past three years are of great value to me.

“Fish farming is profitable. I look forward to business expansion on my personal land. YAGEP has taken me off the street. I came into the programme as a single man, but I am married now, providing for my family. Thanks to Governor Okowa for giving me the opportunity for self-employment.”