By Editor
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Farmers Association, Ekiti State chapter (FAFAEK) has urged the Ekiti State government to create a separate department to be known as Department of Fisheries as an autonomous unit within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The Association made the demand in a communique submitted to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade on Thursday during the 2024 World Fisheries Day in Ado Ekiti.
The two-page communique jointly signed by FAFAEK Chairman, Dr E.T Adebayo and the Secretary Mr Femi Gidado states thus;
“Fisheries and Aquaculture
embodies the management and rearing of aquatic life. Coastal and marine water bodies as well as reservoirs, natural lakes and rivers have long been identified as sources of fisheries resources which can potentially transform human livelihood by generating wealth, providing job opportunities, improving standard of living, enhancing human nutrition and contributing significantly to government revenue if appropriate strategies are adopted.
“Ekiti State has adequate human and other resources that can be properly harnessed to bring about positive transformation in her fisheries and aquaculture sector. Although, the wetland area available for aquaculture in the state is relatively smaller than those of other South-Western states, Ekiti State is, however, blessed with five reservoirs (Egbe, Ero, Itapaji, Aisegba, and Ureje Reservoirs) which, if properly maintained, can be utilized to boost fisheries production. Research has proven that the major setback to fisheries production and activities in the state includes but not limited to:
“High cost of feed as a result of the huge cost incurred on transportation due to the condition of some important roads in the state.
“Non-availability of fish market which makes farmers to be at the mercy of unscrupulous middlemen after production.
“Inability of fish farmers to fully utilize their production facilities due to paucity of funds.
Insufficient fisheries extension personnel.
“Inadequate assistance to fish farmers by government.
“While celebrating 2024 World Fisheries Day, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Farmers’ Association, Ekiti State (the umbrella body for commercial fish breeders, fish growers, fish marketers, fish feed producers and distributors as well as artisanal fishermen in Ekiti State) wish to present some requests/prayers that are geared towards improved performance of Fisheries and Aquaculture sector in the state. These requests/prayers, which are stated below, are hereby presented for the gracious consideration of the amiable Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
Prayers:
“That autonomy should be granted to the Department of Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food security for effective service delivery or in the alternative, the Ministry of Blue Economy should be established, as it was done by the Federal Government, for effective handling of issues bothering on Fisheries and Aquaculture.
“That reservoirs available in Ekiti State should be professionally stocked with different species of fin and shell fishes in order to make the populace have access to cheap animal protein, create job opportunities, improve the health of the residents of the state, and ultimately increase government internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“That fish farmers should be assisted with soft loans and grants through their cooperative associations in order to enhance their capacities to produce optimally.
“On a final note, we want to assure the government and entire people of Ekiti State that we are determined to compete favourably with other states in terms of Fisheries and Aquaculture in no distant time and consequently make the state proud. Thank you”.
