Association Harps On Fishing Development

The Chairman of Ibeju Lekki Fishers Cooperatives Society, Mr Odubitoe Lateef,  Lagos State, has urged the state government to develop fishing as a means of wealth creation.

In an interview with The Tide source in Lagos, Lateef said that the profession was capable of engaging many youths in the country, if well exploited by the government.

He, therefore, urged the government to address the challeges confronting the sub-sector such as the lack of funding and modern equipment .

“We want government to provide us with modern equipment that will enable us to compete with our counterparts in the western world.

“It will make fish available and cheap as well as reduce the importation of fish.

“It is unwise to import fish in a country like Nigeria where we have enough rivers.”

He said the association was encouraged by the state government’s support.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives on Thursday launched the artisanal fishing inputs service delivery programme.

During the launch of the programme at Orimedu Beach, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, said that the programme was aimed at empowering and equipping youths.

He said that the state government had spent more than N3 million to purchase fish farming equipment for the programme.