WORLD FISHERIES DAY: AIYEDATIWA ASSURES OF UTILISING AQUATIC RESOURCES TO INFLUENCE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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WORLD FISHERIES DAY: AIYEDATIWA ASSURES OF UTILISING AQUATIC RESOURCES TO INFLUENCE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has described the relationship between communities and the ocean as symbolic and intricate, sustaining human livelihood.
The governor stated this at the maiden edition of 2024 World Fisheries Day held at the headquarters of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Alagbaka, Akure.
The governor who spoke through the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Chief Olayato Aribo said the celebration of 2024 World Fisheries Day is a day dedicated to recognising the vital role that fisheries play in sustaining human livelihoods and promoting healthy ocean ecosystems.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the intricate relationship between communities and the ocean, recognizing how deeply our cultures, economies, and well-being are intertwined with marine resources.
He added that Ondo State has the longest coastline, measuring 75 kilometres in Nigeria, and richly blessed with diverse aquatic resources.
The governor acknowledged the unwavering commitment and resilience of fishermen and women who often face perilous conditions and unpredictable weather, work diligently to bring the invaluable bounties of the ocean to tables, adding that their dedication has contributed significantly to the attainment of food security and the continuation of age-old traditions and practices that have been passed down through generations.
The governor added that the fisheries sector remains a very important aspect of our economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of families.
He also noted that the fishery sector is being confronted with myriad of challenges that endanger the sustainability of vital resources, such as pollution, which he said has compromised the health marine ecosystems and climate change.
He, therefore, said that government recognizes the urgency of these challenges and promised to take decisive actions towards stemming the tide and to collaborate with local communities, fishermen, scientists and various stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable fisheries management practices that balance environmental health with economic viability.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration would significantly invest in research and development to deepen the understanding of fisheries ecosystems, focusing on innovative solutions that can mitigate the threats posed by climate change and pollution, adding that the investment will also seek to leverage on technology and data to make fishing practices more efficient and sustainable while ensuring the long-term health of fish populations.
The governor noted that the importance of protecting the rights and livelihoods of fishermen and women, stressing that he would ensure that they have access to fair and equitable prices for their catch, live in safe working conditions, and benefit from comprehensive social protections that support their well-being and resilience against economic fluctuations and environmental changes.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, High Chief Olayato Aribo welcomed all stakeholders in the fisheries sector of the economy.
In his words “we gather to recognize the importance of fisheries and aquaculture in our state and Nation at large. As we celebrate this day, we acknowledge the significant contributions of the fisheries sector to our economy, food security and employment, We also recognize the challenges faced by our fishers, fish farmers, and fishing communities such as climate change, overfishing and habitat degradation among others”.
The Commissioner was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture sub sector, Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola, said the state government, through the ministry is committed to promote sustainable fisheries practices, improving the livelihoods of our fishing communities and ensuring the long-term health of our fisheries resources.
He added that the government has put in place policies and programmes aimed at enhancing fisheries management and enforcement; supporting small-scale fishers and fish farmers; promoting aquaculture development.
The Commissioner appreciated the governor for the commitment and dedication to Agriculture in all its ramifications. He also thanked other stakeholders, partners, Institutions, Fisheries Society of Nigeria and for their immense support and collaboration towards the success of the celebration.
Also speaking, the Director of Fisheries Services, Mrs Iyabo Olaleye said World Fisheries Day is an annual event to highlight the importance of sustainable fishing practices and to raise awareness about the impact of overfishing on the world’s oceans.
She added that it was first observed in 1998, when fishermen and fish farmers from various countries met at the Indian state of Delhi to discuss the issues facing the fishing industry, noting that this was the first time it was celebrated in Ondo State and appreciated the state government and all stakeholders in the fisheries sector for the success recorded.
There were goodwill messages from the SSA to Mr Governor on youth empowerment and job creation, Hon. Orioye Gbayisemore, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Forestry/Produce sub-sector , Mr Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, mni, Chairmen of Association of Fish and Aquaculturist Farmers of Nigeria and Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria, Venerable Adefila and Dr Olokuntoye
In his lecture, titled Let the Waters Bring Forth Swarms of Living Creatures, delivered by Dr. Oluyemi Gbadamosi of the department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, said it is a day that was set aside to remind humans the importance of water bodies and waterways in providing a source of food, livelihoods, and economic growth for millions of people around the world.
He added that the World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year in November to highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries and fishing practices and the impact on the world’s oceans and waters.
The University Don appreciated the Ondo Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for hosting the event to celebrate the annual event in Ondo for the very first time, adding that the event aims to achieve several objectives, including:
Bringing relevant stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sector together to discuss and showcase the potentials of fisheries and aquaculture and issues relating to sustainable fisheries management .
Dr Gbadamosi said this year’s theme, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures,” is a powerful reminder of the incredible diversity and abundance of life in our oceans From the tiny plankton that forms the base of the marine and freshwater food web to the massive blue whales that roam our oceans, the variety of aquatic life is truly awe-inspiring.
He added that as we celebrate the richness of water bodies, there are challenges facing the world’s fisheries, such as, Unsustainable aquaculture practices, Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and the impacts of climate change are all taking a devastating toll on the world’s fish populations.
His words, ” According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, nearly 30% of the world’s fish stocks are overfished, and many more are fish and reared at unsustainable levels
This not only threatens the long-term sustainability of the world’s fisheries but also has serious implications for food security and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing and aquaculture for their income. “
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