By Mokobia Rita.
KOKO/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has handed over 50 fishing boats fitted with 15-horsepower Yamaha outboard engines and fishing nets to fishermen in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas.
The equipment was commissioned and distributed to beneficiaries at Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, on Monday, in an intervention aimed at supporting fishing activities and the livelihoods of riverine communities.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the ceremony, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to providing productive assets for residents in riverine areas.
According to the governor, fishing remains an important economic activity and longstanding tradition among riverine communities, many of whose practitioners face operational difficulties due to inadequate equipment.
He said the intervention was intended to enable fishermen to operate more efficiently, improve their earnings and create better economic opportunities for their families.
Oborevwori said the programme formed part of his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, particularly its emphasis on creating opportunities for citizens and ensuring that riverine communities were included in the state’s development efforts.
He disclosed that the distribution was the first phase of the programme and directed the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure Development to extend the intervention to other riverine local government areas.
The governor urged beneficiaries to maintain the boats, engines and nets properly and use them for the purposes for which they were provided.
He also assured riverine residents of continued government attention to infrastructure, including access roads, landing jetties and facilities to improve the transportation of fish and agricultural produce to markets and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark, described the handover as part of the administration’s efforts to support the economic activities of riverine residents.
Clark said the boats were constructed to withstand tidal conditions and could be used for fishing as well as transporting agricultural produce.
He added that the equipment would improve fishermen’s access to fishing grounds and markets, while urging beneficiaries and the relevant local government councils to ensure proper maintenance.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Stanley Agbosa thanked the state government for the intervention and pledged that the recipients would put the equipment to productive use.
The ceremony was attended by lawmakers, members of the Delta State Executive Council, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and representatives of fishermen and farmers’ associations.
