How I Started a Successful Fish Farming Business After Everything Else Had Failed Me
By Oladipo Adeyemi
Let me tell you my story. It’s not one of those polished tales where everything falls into place like a Nollywood movie. No, my story is messy, full of struggle, small wins, big lessons, and a lot of tears. If you’ve ever felt like life keeps beating you down and you’re not sure if you can rise again, maybe my story will encourage you.
I’m Oladipo Adeyemi, born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State. Growing up, I never thought I’d end up a fish farmer. In fact, I didn’t even know fish farming was “a thing.” My childhood dreams were bigger—or so I thought. I wanted to be an engineer, wear a tie every day, and work in a big office with air conditioning. But life has a way of humbling you, abi?
When Life Kept Knocking Me Down
After graduating from university with an engineering degree, I was ready to conquer the world. I applied for countless jobs, attended interviews, and even borrowed money to sew that one good suit I wore everywhere. But Nigeria’s job market is not smiling. For three years, I couldn’t secure a steady job. I tried my hands at different hustles: selling recharge cards, freelancing as a graphic designer, even driving a keke (tricycle). But nothing seemed to click.
I remember one particular night after another failed attempt at pitching a business idea to a friend. I sat outside my one-room apartment, staring at the stars, feeling completely useless. I thought, “Is this how my life will be? Struggling from one day to the next with nothing to show for it?”
The turning point came the following morning. My neighbor, Mama Titi, was frying fish for her buka, and the smell drifted into my room. I strolled out to greet her, and she casually mentioned how much she spends on fish every week. “Fish business dey move o!” she said, laughing. And just like that, something clicked.
The Start of Something Small
I didn’t know anything about fish farming, but I knew I had to try. I started doing research—watching YouTube videos, reading articles, and asking questions. I discovered that catfish farming was a lucrative business in Nigeria if done right. But I also learned it wasn’t for the fainthearted. It required patience, knowledge, and capital. Capital was my biggest problem.
I had just ₦25,000 to my name, and even that wasn’t enough to set up a proper fish farm. But I wasn’t ready to give up before I even started. I used that money to buy 50 fingerlings (baby catfish) and feed. I converted a small portion of my backyard into a makeshift pond using an old bathtub I found at a scrapyard. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a start.
Let me tell you, those first few months were tough. I made so many mistakes. I overfed the fish, and some of them died. The water in the pond got dirty because I didn’t know how often to change it. There were days I wanted to quit. But I kept reminding myself why I started.
Learning the Business
Fish farming is not just about dumping fish in water and waiting for them to grow. It’s a science. I had to learn about water quality, stocking density, feeding schedules, and disease prevention. I also learned the hard way that not everyone will support your dreams.
Some of my friends laughed when they heard I was “raising fish.” They called me a farmer like it was an insult. But I knew what I was doing—or at least, I believed I could figure it out. I found a mentor, an older man who had been in the fish farming business for over 10 years. He taught me practical tips you won’t find in any book, like how to spot signs of stress in your fish and how to negotiate prices with feed suppliers.
By my second harvest, I had 40 healthy catfish to sell. I took them to the local market myself and sold every single one. The profit wasn’t huge, but it was enough to reinvest in the business.
Scaling Up
Fast forward to today, and that small backyard operation has grown into a full-fledged fish farm with five concrete ponds and over 2,000 fish. I sell to restaurants, market women, and even directly to families.
One thing I’ve learned is that people will pay for quality. My fish are always plump and fresh because I prioritize their health. I don’t cut corners when it comes to feeding or pond management. That’s why my customers keep coming back.
But it’s not just about the money. For the first time in my life, I feel proud of what I do. I’ve created something from nothing. I’ve gone from borrowing money for airtime to employing two workers who help me manage the farm.
Lessons From My Journey
If you’re reading this and you’re at a low point in your life, let me tell you something: failure is not the end. It’s just a detour. Every failure I experienced taught me something that helped me succeed later.
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned:
Start small, but start somewhere. You don’t need millions to begin. Use what you have and grow from there.
Be willing to learn. Knowledge is power, especially in a business like fish farming.
Ignore the naysayers. Not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay.
Patience is key. Fish don’t grow overnight, and neither does success.
The Bigger Picture
Fish farming has not just changed my life; it’s also helping my community. I now provide fresh, affordable protein to families in my area. I’ve also trained three young men who want to start their own fish farms. Giving back feels amazing.
Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t walked out to chat with Mama Titi that day. Would I still be stuck, waiting for life to give me a chance? I don’t know. But I do know this: we don’t always get to choose how our dreams come to life. Sometimes, life has other plans for us, and that’s okay.
What’s Next?
I’m still learning and growing. My next goal is to expand into smoked fish production, which has a longer shelf life and higher profit margins. I also want to start a YouTube channel to share what I’ve learned with others.
If you’ve been thinking about starting something—whether it’s a business, a new skill, or even a hobby—what are you waiting for? Don’t let fear or doubt stop you. Start small, but start. You never know where it might lead you.
So, that’s my story. What’s yours? I’d love to hear about your dreams, challenges, or even your own fish farming journey. Drop a comment or send me a message. Let’s inspire each other.