By Edidiong Obot
UYO
Fishermen and fish processors in Akwa Ibom have expressed optimism that the provision of adequate fishing inputs will help reduce the cost of fish in the market.
Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Seafood Dealers, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr Francis Ekpenyong, made this known on Wednesday August 20, 2025, during the distribution of fishing inputs to Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Processors at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo.
The chairman emphasised that the support would significantly aid in expanding their businesses.
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.
The commissioner for agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, represented by the permanent secretary, Dr Atim Okoko, commended Governor Eno for providing funds for the programme, as the initiative aligns with the ARISE Agenda, aimed at ensuring food security in the State.
Offor expressed enthusiasm about the success of the programme, 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.
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 actualising the governor’s ARISE Agenda through this support and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the inputs.
The permanent secretaries, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Iquo Abia, Esq., that of education, Lady Rose Bassey, and that of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr. Roseline Mfon, in their separate speeches, commended the ARISE Agenda, launched about two years ago, which has moved beyond policy into practical empowerment programmes.
They emphasised that the fishing inputs distribution would 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 of the State Technical Schools Board, STSB, Mr Effiong Nicholas and his Works and Fire Service counterpart, Mr Ignatius Ekwere, directors in the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives of Fishermen Cooperative Societies, and Fish Processors from across the State.
Items distributed included assorted fishing nets, floaters, assorted ropes, hooks and lines, lead sinkers, basins, aprons, hat, among others.
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