The Kwara State Government has assured fish farmers in the state of a harmonious working relationship in carrying out their aqua business in the state, evening as it promises them of maximum supports, to enhance their productivity and economic development.
This General Manager, Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Dr Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini gave the assurance today, while playing host to the Executive Members of the duo of Kwara State Fish Breeders Association(KWAFIBA) and Association of Fish Farmers in Kwara (AFFAK), in his office located at Fate road, Ilorin.
Dr Tejidini reiterated the commitment of the present administration, under the good leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to address challenges being faced in the Agricultural sector, fish farming by extension, with the aim of surmounting it.
He described the two association as an integral part of the economic development of the state, being the largest producers of catfish in the whole of Africa as well as the essential roles they play in adding value to the lives of our teeming youths, by keeping them gainfully employed, not to mention the nutritional values that comes from the fishing sector, to the entire members of the public. He added.
“The fish sector is very important to us, ranging from the creation of jobs for our teeming youths, the nutritional benefits of the quality fish being produced as well as the economic development. All these are very important to us. We are therefore looking at not just improving our productivity in quantity, but to also empower our fishermen, so they can do more.
“We want to be known as a State that is paying attention to nutrition and taking the right steps in the right direction”, he stressed further.
The GM thereafter assured his visitors of government’s readiness on empowerment and also look into how fish feeds can be made available for them at subsidized rates.
Earlier, the Director of Fishery, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments, Mrs Oluwatoyin Florence Ajayi, who led the two associations on the visit commended Kwara State Government for its support for fish farmers in the state.
She intimated the GM of challenges being faced by the Association, appealing to government on empowerment, to enhance their productivity.
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