The Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, CESAR, and the Fisheries Department at Lagos State University, LASU, are set to form a strategic partnership with the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, FISON.
This potential collaboration was revealed by the immediate past Director of CESAR, Professor Martins Anetekhaiat the meeting with the representatives of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria held on Thursday, 18th July 2024 at the Centre of Excellence for Sagassum Research, Office, Admin Block 2 Car park Area.
During the meeting, Professor Anetekhai recounted the origins of CESAR, explaining that the center was established to address the challenges posed by sargassum to fishing and transportation. The initiative, funded by the Lagos State Government, has significantly mitigated sargassum’s impact on the sea beaches of Badagry and surrounding areas.
The centre has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Research Innovation award at the 2023 Abuja Expo. CESAR showcased animal feed products made from sargassum, such as saga-rabbit, saga-fish, saga-pig, saga-grasscutter, and saga-chicken feeds. These products have received trademarks and are awaiting patent approval.
Professor Anetekhai highlighted the importance of partnering with FISON to advance aquaculture farming using sargassum. He emphasized the mutual benefits of the collaboration, which aims to explore various areas of shared interest.
President of FISON, Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, expressed her admiration for CESAR’s innovative efforts. She learned about the center during a workshop and encouraged one of her project students to research sargassum. Dr. Ansa praised CESAR for its proactive approach, stating,
“This centre has already started running even before it became fully functional. We are very appreciative and look forward to the collaboration.”
Dr. Ansa commended CESAR for its creative and innovative products, which have the potential to significantly enhance the fisheries sector. She acknowledged the center’s role in developing valuable products that can reduce the cost of animal feeds for farmers, adding value to the aquaculture sector. She also expressed gratitude for the warm reception received at short notice.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Vice President of FISON Dr. Lekan Oguntade, HOD of Fisheries Department Prof. Abiodun Abayomi Jimoh, CESAR Academic Secretary Dr. Gbenisola Shaibu, Head of CESAR Fisheries Group Prof. Clark, Prof. Adewolu, Dr. Afolalu Awe from the Fisheries Department, CESAR Administrative Secretary Mr. Olatunde Shefiu, CESAR Admin Staff Mrs. Victoria Olatunji, and CESAR Media Officer Mr. Ademola Adekoya.