The Kwara Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade has urged the Association of Fish Farmers in Kwara State (AFFAK) to have comprehensive data on their members as it will help the government in making decisions that will be of immense benefit to them.
Hon. Lade made the call during a courtesy visit by the Association on Friday at the conference room of the Ministry in Ilorin.
He said this Administration is building on the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has made food security a priority and he made reference to the renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture to include Food security.
According to Hon. Lade, ” President Tinubu created a new ministry; Marine and Blue Economy which will ensure sustainable growth, improved livelihoods, and creation of jobs while also preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.
“Every government is looking towards Blue Economy right now and it is only right that Kwara State government also does all in its capacity to ensure we support your Association and also create more jobs for the teeming youth in the State.”
He commended the efforts of the Association so far but also appealed to them to look to restructure where they currently operate and see if there is vacant land that could be proposed to the government for possible assistance.
He further explained that if they have well-structured facilities for fish operation, there can be more talks about other developments too.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Asonibare Omolola Christiana, appreciated the efforts of the Fish Association but noted that their requests need to follow due process and said the Ministry has to follow protocol.
The Director of Finance, Personnel and Supply, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Shuiab, and Director of Water Engineering Services, Engineer Yusuf Wopa, said very soon Hon Commissioner and Management team will pay them a familiarization visit to see things as they are and the possible way forward.
Earlier, the President of the Association of Fish Farmers in Kwara State, Brig. General Saidu Tayo Oladipo and Babatunde Salami Body of Trustees briefed the commissioner and management on their efforts so far bringing together all the fish farmers/producers in Kwara State.
The duo said their coming together is to improve the economy of Kwara State and contribute to the larger economy of Nigeria. They also briefed the Commissioner and Management about their challenges and areas where help is needed.
Adewoye Abosede Oluwatosin
Assistant Press Secretary
Ministry of Water Resources