President Goodluck Jonathan last Saturday canvassed for support from foreign and local investors to develop the Abaji Fishing Festival.

Jonathan made the call at the second edition of the Abaji Fishing Festival held at River Gurara in the Yatheba Development Area, Abaji Area Council of the FCT.

He said that the huge amount of money Nigeria spent on fish importation could be channelled into fish production to boost eco-tourism.

Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of habitats.

Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Bukar Tijani, said that partnership with the FCT Administration would go a long way to sustain the festival.

He said that this would in turn, develop the fishing village of Abaji and turn the festival into a tourist haven.

“I believe that today’s event will grow in stature from year to year and occupy an enviable position in the world eco-tourism calendar.

“Nigeria can substitute fish importation with domestic production to create jobs, reduce poverty in the rural areas where 70 per cent of the population lives, to ease the balance of payment problems in the country.

“Nigeria has the capacity to attain the desired fish self-sufficiency within a short time, if the numerous aquaculture potential in the nation is adequately utilised.’’

The president said that fishing festivals had always been occasions of joy, aimed at showcasing the people’s culture and the development of tourism in the community and the nation at large.

Earlier,  the  Director-General Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun  Runsewe,  pledged to partner with the FCT Administration to improve and add value to the festival.

He noted that tourism all over the world was a money making sector, adding that Nigeria had enormous tourism potential, which, if properly developed, would better the economy of the country.

Runsewe, who was represented by an Assistant Director ( Legal), Mrs Otu Umondak, underscored the importance developing the fishing village, other tourism sites and creating a tourism calendar for the FCT, for proper marketing of tourism in Abuja.

In a remark, Alhaji Jubrin Tanko, the Goma of Kuje, also expressed the support of the traditional institution and its willingness to partner with the FCT Authority to ensure the sustainability of the festival.

He said that the festival would help to improve the lives of Abaji people and create jobs for thousands of youths in the area.

The festival featured cultural dances, “Kabachi” display, duck contest and many other side attractions.