The Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Engr. Prof. Ignatius Ikpomwonsa Omorodion, has charged fish farmers across the state to embrace a synergistic and symbiotic relationship in order to strengthen the fisheries sector and enhance productivity.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Icomiare Adebudo, made this call during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Ministry’s Conference Room.
In his welcome address, Prof. Omorodion expressed delight at the presence of the fish farmers and explained that the establishment of the new Ministry of Livestock Development, carved out from the former Ministry of Agriculture, necessitated a realignment of responsibilities. He clarified that all fisheries clusters now fall under the Ministry.
“As of today, you are under the Ministry of Livestock Development, and your first point of call is the Head of Department,” he stated.
He further emphasized the commitment of the present administration to the fisheries sub-sector, noting that Governor Monday Okpebholo has given a clear mandate to the Ministry to deliver tangible results.
“The Governor has a vision, and he has given my Honourable Commissioner a mandate, which includes all of you. We are ready and capable to deliver on this mandate,” he said.
Prof. Omorodion disclosed that the Ministry has a flagship project which involves the construction of two fish landing jetties in Ilushin and Agenebode, a multi-billion naira initiative aimed at boosting fish production and processing in the state.
He stressed the need for a standard operational model going forward, noting that the Ministry intends to establish a demonstration farm.
“We need to have a model, because even within the Ministry we have fisheries officers who must also participate in production. We want to have a demonstration farm for the Ministry,” he explained.
The Commissioner urged all stakeholders to embrace teamwork as the key ingredient for transforming the fisheries narrative in Edo State.
Earlier, the Director of the Fisheries Department, Mr. Akhabue Aaron Osaigbovo, stated that shortly after the creation of the Ministry two months ago, the Honourable Commissioner embarked on a familiarization tour of facilities within the hub and discovered the existence of a viable cluster.
“We are gathered here to chart a way forward for the cluster, bearing in mind that we are now in a new Ministry,” he said.
A major highlight of the meeting was the formation of a 16-member committee comprising representatives of the fisheries cluster and Ministry officials to drive the collaborative effort.
Also present at the meeting were the Director, Human Resource and Administration, Mrs. Carol Eniye Ojezua; Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Aminu Imafidon; the Personal Private Secretary to the Commissioner, Mrs. Iyayi Omosaye; staff of the Fisheries Department; and several fish farmers.
—-Eseosa Joy Onaiwu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Livestock Development
