Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday commissioned and distributed 50 fishing boats fitted with 15-horsepower Yamaha outboard engines and fishing nets to fishermen in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas.
The intervention, which took place in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area, was aimed at strengthening the livelihoods of fishermen and supporting economic activities in the state’s riverine communities.
Governor Oborevwori was represented at the ceremony by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oborevwori said the intervention was designed to equip fishermen with modern tools to enhance their fishing activities, increase their income and improve the welfare of their families.
“For generations, fishing has been an important part of the life and economy of our riverine communities. It is more than a means of livelihood; it is a tradition that has been passed from one generation to another,” the Governor stated.
Oborevwori noted that fishermen operate under difficult conditions, often contending with inadequate equipment and rising operational costs.
“This intervention is therefore about giving you the tools you need to fish more efficiently, increase your income and provide better opportunities for your families,” he said.
The Governor described the initiative as a practical expression of his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, particularly its commitment to creating opportunities for all and ensuring that no part of Delta State is left behind.
He disclosed that the programme was only the first phase of the intervention and directed the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure Development to extend the initiative to other riverine local government areas across the state.
Oborevwori urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the boats, engines and fishing nets, stressing the importance of proper maintenance to ensure their sustainability.
“We recognise the important role our fishing communities play in our economy and food security, and we will continue to support them,” he added.
The Governor further assured the riverine communities that his administration would continue to provide supporting infrastructure, including access roads, landing jetties and other facilities aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving the transportation of fish to markets.
He commended the chairmen of the three local government areas, traditional rulers, community leaders and fishermen’s associations for their cooperation and support.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark, said the distribution was in fulfilment of the M.O.R.E. Agenda promise of the Oborevwori-led administration to the people of the riverine communities.
Clark stated that the boats were specially built to withstand tidal waves and support both fishing expeditions and the transportation of agricultural and fish produce from riverine communities.
“Today, we are not just handing over fishing boats; we are handing over tools of livelihood, instruments of peace, and engines of economic growth to the very people of the riverine communities of Warri Federal Constituency whose major means of livelihood is fishing,” the Commissioner said.
He explained that the new boats and fishing nets would enable fishermen to travel farther, remain longer on fishing expeditions and potentially increase their catches, while also transporting their produce to markets faster to reduce spoilage and maximise profits.
According to him, the commissioning marked only the first batch of the programme, with the remaining riverine local government areas expected to benefit in due course.
The Commissioner appreciated Governor Oborevwori for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to the socio-economic wellbeing of riverine dwellers.
He also urged the beneficiaries and chairmen of the benefiting local government areas to ensure that the boats and other equipment were properly maintained and put to productive use.
The ceremony was attended by lawmakers, members of the State Executive Council, chairmen of Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Councils, traditional rulers, and leaders of fishermen and farmers’ associations.
