The Akwa Ibom State government through the Ministry of Agriculture has distributed assorted fishing nets, floaters, assorted ropes, hooks/lines, lead sinkers, basins, aprons, hat, among others to fishermen and fish processors in the state.
The distribution exercise took place at Idongesit Nkanga’s Secretariat, Uyo and was done by the commissioner in the ministry, Dr. Offiong Offor.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Atim Okoko, the commissioner commended Governor Umo Eno for providing the funds for the program, as the initiative aligns with the ARISE Agenda, aimed at ensuring food security in the State.
Offor expressed enthusiasm about the success of the program, noting that the Ministry, under the Governor’s leadership, has already distributed improved cassava stems, maize, goats, coconut, oil palm, cocoa, poultry, fingerlings and now the fishermen and fish processors are receiving their share of empowerment.
“This initiative addresses both crop and animal production, helping to balance the diet of the citizens. This is just the first phase, with more beneficiaries expected in subsequent rounds,” she added.
Responding to the kind gesture of the state government, the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Seafood Dealers, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr. Francis Ekpenyong, stated that during the distribution of fishing inputs to Fishermen Cooperative Societies will go a long to reduce the cost of fish in the market.
Represented by Mr. Sunday Eshiet, the Chairman highlighted the operational challenges fishermen face between July and September due to high tides and noted that, recent flooding had led to the loss of nets and other fishing equipment, which negatively impacted fishing activities.
The Chairman lauded Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to supporting the Fisheries sector through the Ministry of Agriculture, describing the intervention as a major relief to beneficiaries.
Setting the tone for the occasion, the Director of Fisheries Mrs. Florence Ikpe described the intervention as government effort to help the Fisheries sector rebound, making fish more affordable, accessible and available
Ikpe appreciated the Commissioner for Agriculture for actualizing Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda through this support and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the inputs.
In their separate goodwill messages, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Environment/Mineral Resources, Iquo Abia (Esq), Education, Lady Rose Bassey, and the State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Roseline Mfon commended the ARISE Agenda, launched about two years ago, which has moved beyond policy into practical empowerment programs.
They emphasized that the fishing inputs distribution will ease the challenges faced by beneficiaries and positively impact the State’s economy.
They also advocated for collaboration to establish fish ponds in public primary and secondary schools, to expose students to fish farming skills as part of the growing focus on entrepreneurship within the school system.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretaries, State Technical Schools Board, Mr. Effiong Nicholas, Work & Fire Service, Mr. Ignatius Ekwere, Directors in the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives of Fishermen Cooperative Societies, and Fish Processors from across the State.
