Kwara State Government has assured fish farmers of healthy and more prosperous partnership in fishery and aquaculture in the state.
Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Toyosi Thomas gave the assurance in her Goodwill Message at World Fisheries Day organized by Association of Fish Farmers in Kwara in conjunction with Aquabash Fish Foundation in Ilorin.
The World Fisheries Day was themed “Catalyzing Sustainable Fisheries and Responsible Aquaculture Action for People Ocean, Climate and Possible Action for Responsible Fisheries”.
Represented by Director Personnel Finance and Supply, Mallam Yusuf Rafiu Olayiwola, Mrs Thomas commended the hardworking fish farmers, fishermen and women whose dedication unearth the potentials of water, and nourished the tables.
She recognized vital role fisheries and aquaculture play in supporting food security, employment creation and sustaining economic growth and development.
The Commissioner applauded the fisheries stakeholders researchers, policymakers, and community leaders for their collective efforts in promoting sustainability, growth.
In his address of welcome, President, Association of Fish Farmers in Kwara, AFFAK, Retired Brigadier General Tayo Olasupo solicited strategic partnership from Kwara State Government in the area of critical infrastructure particularly provision of rural access roads to move fish to the markets.
Retired Brigadier General Olasupo also called on the state government to synergize AFFAK on security to protect their investments.
The AFFAK President reaffirmed their commitment towards enforcing strict quality controls among members.
In his remark, Secretary, AFFAK Board of Trustees, Mallam Babatunde Salami explained that World Fisheries Day is more than a celebration but a call to action, moment for members to reflect on progress and re-evaluate the challenges.
Mallam Salami identified poor storage systems, high feed cost, limited access to finance, post-harvest losses, lack of standard processing facilities, security concerns on farms, and inadequate government attention as part of challenges for the fisheries subsector.
He posited that AFFAK is working to ensure farmers have access to modern technology, financial and digital literacy, improved processing methods, better storage systems, and high-value product development.
