COOPERATIVE: ALICE EKPENYONG REAFFIRMS GOVT SUPPORT TO FISHERMEN
The Special Adviser to the Governor, Bureau of Cooperative and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, has reaffirmed the state government support to fishermen in Akwa Ibom as part of the government’s plans for cooperative development in the State.
Hon Ekpenyong, who gave assurance, Thursday, April 24, during the consolidation meeting with all Fishermen Unions in the riverine areas, noted that Governor Umo Eno is genuinely committed to the growth of local businesses in the State, adding that fishermen will benefit from the governor’s plan for cooperative development.
“His Excellency, the Governor has sent me here to hear from you and also know your challenges because he is committed to empowering entrepreneurs in the State and Fishmen Unions are not left out.
“The Governor does not need to know you before empowering you. All he knows is Akwa Ibom people which he made good and vital promises to and such promises will be fulfilled”, she said.
While expressing dissatisfaction over the scarcity of critical seafood in the State, Hon Ekpenyong, said “We own crayfish but it is very scarce in our market. We have to create ways to solve this very issue before we find ourselves going to other states to buy them.”
She further urged the fishermen to form cooperative groups or join existing ones in their various Local Government Areas in order for them to be eligible to access government support like grants, provision of good fishing infrastructures and machineries.
Responding on behalf of the fishermen, Mr. Edu Usoro, noted that the one of major challenges that they facing was insecurity in the riverine areas particularly along the sea shores, which he noted, has affected their productivity.
“Going fishing now is a very big risk because it’s either you risk being kidnapped or killed by sea pirates. We want the state government to come to our aide because we are tired of staying at home without doing anything or losing our people while doing their business.”
He thanked Governor Eno for the creation of the Bureau of Cooperative and Rural Development as well as other lofty programmes initiated by the administration for the development of the rural areas, noting that the Governor has prioritised the interest of the common people.
Others also raised the issues of having access to good fishing machineries and infrastructures like boat, fishing net, engines, access to grants and loans which will help them increase their productivity as well as expand their business.
