The National president
Fishermen association of Nigeria, Igbokoda Ilaje Ondo state, Ambassador Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore has urged the state government to declare a state of emergency on the decay of infrastructure in the marine business.
Besides, he also appealed to the state government to as a matter of urgency make the water way safe for various marine business.
Gbayisemore in an open letter he personally sent to the Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, frowned at government’s insensitivity to the plights of fishermen in the coastal communities.
He specially condemned the way the government has failed to react to death of five Igbo traders in a boat mishap in Ilaje.
According to him, the government did not issue any statement on the ugly incident or sympathize with the families of the deceased.
The letter added, “Your excellency sir, I write on behalf of the entire fishermen and other marine workers in the riverine community of ondo state vis a viz ilaje and Eseodo local government.
” Your excellency Sir, you will be aware that about three weeks ago about five men were drawn as a result of a boat mishap that occurred in ilaje local government area of ondo state, with a press statement issued on all the national dailies by the fishermen association.
“But to our greatest surprise, the government of ondo state has kept deaf ears to this ugly incident without making any statement to sympathize with the families of the deceased.
” Your excellency, let us bring to your notice that this ugly incident has led to a low patronage from the Igbo traders that come to our locality for business transactions as the government has not provided any safety measures for water commuters”
Gbayisemore also urged the State government to give special consideration to the artisanal fishermen for the proposed government palliative and supported with input and financial support.
He said, “The removal of subsidy has worsen the situation of the people living in the riverine communities of ondo state, because it takes an average of 200litrs of petrol @ #700 which accumulate to #120,000 to set out for fishing activities which is the main economy mainstay of the people in the riverine area of ondo state.
“With the declaration of state of emergency in the food and agriculture sector by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the fishery sector should be considered as a critical sector that provides the cheapest protein source to the common Nigerian and 65% of total consumption rate come from the artisanal fishermen”
