The Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on
Aquaculture and Deep Sea Fishing, Mr Kurotamunoye Briggs, has frowned at the
recent pirate attacks on the state-owned fishing trawler vessel at Abana Local
Government Area of Cross River State.

Mr Briggs made this known while advising the first batch of
youths selected from the 23 local government areas of the state who are
participating in the second trawler training scheme in Port Harcourt.

He said although no life was lost, the crew members were
traumatised by the attack as the suspected sea pirates carted away their
personal belongings.

The Special Adviser assured them of adequate security on
their next voyage, and further enjoined them to shun bad associations and be
security conscious by reporting any suspicious activities to the security
agencies because their lives depended on it.

Mr Briggs however noted that the State Governor, Rt Hon
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was aware of the predicaments and plights of the
youths, which he said was basically unemployment, and assured them that the government
was working tirelessly to engage then in meaningful activities.

According to him, the fish farms at Andoni and Opobo areas
would soon be ready to provide employment and stimulate economic activities in
the fishing sector, adding that a memorandum of understanding has been signed
for the construction of a fifty thousand dollar fish farm in Etche Local
Government Area, all aimed at engaging the youths of the State in fish farming
activities.

The Special Adviser, who also welcomed the crew members of
the state-owned Fishing Trawler Boats on their successful second voyage at
their Borikiri Fishing Terminal, Port Harcourt disclosed that 35 persons would
commence  training at the Rivers State
University of Science and Technology on the operations of trawlers and trawler
management, and commended all for their efforts.

In their separate remarks, the core-investor at Borikiri
Fishing Terminal and Managers of the State Fishing Trawler Boats, Petroquip Nig
Ltd, Mr Ipalibo Lawson, the Port Captain, Dickson Egberebe and Mr Soye Frank
who spoke on behalf of the trainees thanked the Governor for the opportunity
given them and assured of projecting government’s good intention.

Collins Barasimeye