WARRI — The fishing economy in three riverine local government areas of Delta State is set for a boost following the distribution of 50 fishing boats, 15-horsepower Yamaha outboard engines and fishing nets to local fishermen by the state government.
The intervention, initiated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is targeted at fishermen in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, with the aim of expanding their fishing capacity, increasing household incomes and strengthening food production in the riverine communities.
The boats and equipment were commissioned and handed over to beneficiaries at Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, on Monday.
Representing the governor at the ceremony, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the programme was designed to provide fishermen with productive assets capable of improving their livelihoods and contributing to the local economy.
Oborevwori said fishing remained a major economic activity in riverine communities, but noted that many fishermen continued to operate with inadequate equipment despite the challenging conditions associated with fishing in the waterways.
He said the intervention was intended to enable beneficiaries to operate more efficiently, increase their catches and improve the welfare of their families.
According to the governor, the initiative aligns with the economic empowerment component of his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda by creating opportunities for people in riverine communities to become more productive.
He disclosed that the distribution represented the first phase of the programme and directed the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure Development to extend the intervention to other riverine local government areas in the state.
The governor urged beneficiaries to maintain the boats, engines and nets properly and use them strictly for the purpose for which they were provided.
He also assured riverine communities of further government investment in infrastructure, including access roads, landing jetties and other facilities to improve the movement of fish and agricultural produce while reducing post-harvest losses.
“We recognise the important role our fishing communities play in our economy and food security, and we will continue to support them,” he said.
The Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark, described the intervention as the fulfilment of a key commitment of the Oborevwori administration to the state’s riverine population.
Clark said the boats were specially constructed to withstand tidal conditions and could be used not only for fishing but also for transporting agricultural produce from riverine communities.
He said the provision of the boats, engines and nets would allow fishermen to travel farther, spend more productive hours on fishing expeditions and potentially increase their catches.
The commissioner added that improved transportation of fish to markets would help reduce spoilage and improve the profitability of fishing activities.
Clark said other riverine local government areas would benefit from subsequent phases of the programme, while urging the beneficiaries and local government authorities to ensure proper maintenance of the equipment.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Stanley Agbosa thanked the governor for the intervention and assured the state government that the equipment would be put to productive use to increase fish production and contribute to food security.
The ceremony was attended by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka; lawmakers; members of the Delta State Executive Council; chairmen of the three benefiting local government areas; traditional rulers; community leaders; and representatives of fishermen and farmers associations.
