…Dr. Ebinimi calls for Bill to transform FISON into an Institute
By Dele Ogbodo
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Dr. Mohammed Seisay from the African Union (AU) and stakeholders from the industry have advocated for public, private and industry stakeholder’s aggregation efforts in fisheries sector to ramp up the country’s economic development and food security.
Walson-Jack, who lauded the commitment of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) made the disclosure via a goodwill message she delivered at the opening ceremony of the 39th Annual Conference of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria in Abuja.
She also commended the Society for promoting the spirit of excellence, innovation, and building capacity to advance the Nigerian Fishing Industry, stating that the sector holds the ace for economic growth and food security in the country.
Mrs. Eno Olotu, Spokesperson for the Office in a statement said the conference’s theme was “Unlocking the Investment Potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Advancing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors for Sustainable Development.”
According to her, the HCSF acknowledged FISON’s outstanding contributions to advancing Nigeria’s Fisheries industry, adding that the sector’s commitment to sustainable fisheries aligns deeply with the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She further observed that the significant role played by members of the Association in the industry attests to the fact that the sector is moving closer to its vision of self-sufficiency, job creation, and environmental stewardship through collaboration and resilience, the statement added.
Walson-Jack also noted that advancing fisheries productivity, promoting research, and building capacity will help preserve resources for future generations.
She applauded the FISON fellows and awardees during their investiture at the conference for their milestone achievements and resilience in serving the nation in their various capacities, as well as in promoting research geared towards the productivity of fisheries in the country.
In his opening address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized the strategic importance of the blue economy to Nigeria’s overall economic growth and sustainable development.
He highlighted that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are pivotal to enhancing food security, creating jobs, and fostering economic diversification.
The National President of FISON, Dr. Ansa Ebinimi, in her welcome remarks, said the key priority of FISON is the urgent need for the formal establishment of the Fisheries Institute of Nigeria (FIN).
She explained that professionalising the fisheries and aquaculture sector would not only enhance capacity but will ensure that it operates within globally accepted standards.
Ansa, further called on the Minister to sponsor the FIN Bill as an Executive Bill and presented to the National Assembly.
The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Mohammed Seisay from the African Union—Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources, stated that Africa has inherent potential and opportunities locked in marine and freshwater ecosystems, including fisheries resources of high commercial interest that can support large-scale economic investments in fishing and processing industries, among other industries.
Seisay, added that the sector contributes immensely to food and nutrition security, livelihoods, and income and is a social safety net for most African countries.