Celebrated annually on the 21st of November, World Fisheries Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the critical issues facing fisheries and aquaculture. In Laduba, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, the occasion was marked with enthusiasm and purpose, thanks to the efforts of the Aquabashy Fisheries Foundation. Stakeholders, including the Asa River Fishermen Association, gathered to commemorate the day and address pressing concerns in the aquaculture sector.
Mr. Bashir Abdulrasaq Owolabi, the founder of Aquabashy Fisheries Foundation, emphasized the essence of World Fisheries Day in his remarks. He highlighted the need to understand the biodiversity of fishes in natural water bodies. Mr. Owolabi emphasized that beyond the commonly known catfish and tilapia, various species, including heterotis, are facing extinction. “The day serves as a platform to create awareness about the diversity within the industry of fishery and aquaculture” Owolabi added.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the industry, Mr. Owolabi pointed out the high cost of fish feed and persistent post-harvest losses. He called for government support, particularly in the form of training for fishermen and the donation of relevant equipment to enhance the sustainability of the sector.
Alh. Ganiyu Oba, the Director of Fishery at the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture, pledged the support of the state government to the fishermen. He urged adherence to regulations governing fishing on the Asa river and encouraged fishermen to register on the Kwara State government’s database through the ongoing online registration of fish farmers. According to the director,” this initiative aims to streamline coordination and support for fishery activities in the region”.
World Fisheries Day has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1997 by the World Fisheries Forum (WFF) in New Delhi, India. Since then, it has grown into a global movement to address the challenges faced by the fishing community and promote sustainable practices. The day highlights the importance of fisheries not only for food security but also for economic livelihoods worldwide.
Dr. Issa Aliyu, Kwara State Coordinator for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the continuous support from the federal government to fishermen across Nigeria and specifically in Kwara State. He emphasized the collaboration between the government and stakeholders in the aquaculture sector, ensuring meaningful development through the provision of essential tools such as canoes and fishing nets.
In his lecture, Mr. Ajibola Olawale, Proprietor College of Fisheries and Agricultural Technology addressed the worrisome issue of overexploitation of water bodies. He called on governments at all levels to intervene by periodically restocking the wild and providing guidance to fishermen on the use of acceptable gears, promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Mr. Sodiq Suleiman, Chairman of Asa Fishermen Association, highlighted the need for the Kwara State government’s support in subsidizing the purchase of canoes, fishing nets, and modern equipment. This, he believes, will significantly contribute to reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing the livelihoods of local fishermen.
World Fisheries Day in Kwara State served as a rallying point for stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, government support, and collaborative efforts on both local and global scales. As the world faces increasing challenges in fisheries, this annual event reminds us of the collective responsibility to protect aquatic ecosystems and secure the future of the fishing community worldwide.