In a significant move to connect to the blue economy, the IFAD LIFE-ND project has further extended its support to artisanal fishing incubatees. At a distribution/hand-over event, held at Ofumbongha 1, Obubra Local Government Area of the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State, 6 beneficiaries in three communities of Apiapum and Ogurude in Obubra Local Government Area and Okuni in Ikom Local Government Area were empowered.
The project handed over six boats equipped with 5-horsepower, 4-stroke out-board engines, 6 number ten passengers capacity wooden boats and accessories to rural fishermen/incubatees, with additional four to be handed over to fishing incubatees at Atim-Asam and Idebe Offiong Umo in Akpabuyo LGA of the Southern senatorial district. This initiative marked another milestone in the project’s ongoing efforts to enhance livelihoods in the region.
The State Project Coordinator, Mr. Innocent Ogbin, while welcoming the beneficiaries to the hand-over ceremony, highlighted the essence of the exercise and further stated that the ceremony was a follow-up and continuation of the previous empowerment where twenty incubatees in the third batch in the Southern senatorial district were earlier empowered with twenty boats and accessories.
“This initiative aims to empower the youth, support their businesses, and facilitate water transportation within the area. This is vital for income generation, food security and job creation which are the objectives”. He stated.
The State Project Coordinator, who was represented by Mr. Bassey Edem, the State Procurement Officer, emphasized on the project’s desire to making agribusinesses more appealing and attractive through removing drudgery. That, by providing efficient, stress free, productive means of livelihoods that encourages youth involvement and engagement would stimulate active participation.
Mrs. Helen Effiom, the State Agribusiness Promotion Officer, stated that, the Project operates in line with identified needs of beneficiaries. She emphasized on the importance of right targeting, capacity building, sustainability and profitability as expected in any business environment.
“Through our mentor-mentee model, our incubatees are categorize and engaged in accordance to being a youths within the age bracket of 18-35 years, Persons Living with Disabilities, and Female-Headed Households. Most of our incubatees are unemployed or grossly underemployed without tertiary educational qualifications,” Mrs. Effiom explained.
The State Agribusiness Promotion Officer also, noted that, the labourious energy sapping, traditional fishing methods, like baskets, traps have become outdated and unattractive to the teaming, prosperity minded, get-rich-quick- syndrome and more adventurous young population. “The project assists the youth to enhance and realize their true potentials through improvement of their livelihoods,”. She pointed on the transformative impact of the support provided.
Inspector Okpa Oguni, the Divisional Marine Officer of the Nigerian Police in Obubra Local Government Area, spoke on the importance of safety tips as panacea for a safe and lucrative waterway business. As adherence to safety tips, he listed the regular use of life jackets, routine equipment and facility checks, and avoiding overloading, refraining from drinking alcohol while driving avoidance of over speeding.
While Praising the IFAD LIFE ND project, Inspector Oguni remarked, “This is quite laudable and very commendable. This is an uncommon scenario to see and witness beneficiaries gained employment without any form of gratification. No political, religious, ethnic, cultural or social consideration before being considered. I join the beneficiaries in thanking IFAD, LIFE-ND, FGN, Cross River State, the National and State offices, for this laudable intervention”.
“I assure you of the peaceful and safe business environment of the waterways and the uncommon hospitable and reliable disposition of the people. Therefore, the safety and, an enduring marine working environment for your incubatees is highly guaranteed.”
Expressing their appreciation for the opportunity of a life time, Mr. Oguni Oguni and Clement Moses Onagha, described the gesture as both impactful and life-changing. Their enthusiasm and appreciation underscored the importance the project attaches to improving the quality of life of rural populace.
Indeed the successful distribution and glowing encomium symbolises the effort to uplift local economies through targeted support and development. These, had pave the way for a brighter future for artisanal fishermen in Cross River State.
The high point of the event was the training on Operation and maintenance, official presentation of the boats and accessories, test drive and photo sessions.
