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In a strong demonstration of commitment to rural development and grassroots enterprise, the Honourable Special Adviser, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, has reaffirmed the Akwa Ibom State Government’s support for fishermen operating across the state’s riverine areas.
Speaking during a strategic engagement with the Fishermen Unions on Thursday, April 24, Rt. Hon. Ekpenyong delivered a message of hope on behalf of Governor Umo Eno, assuring stakeholders that the administration is deeply invested in empowering rural entrepreneurs, regardless of their location or connection.
“The Governor doesn’t need to know you personally to support you. His commitment is to the people of Akwa Ibom State. He made meaningful promises, and those promises will be fulfilled,” she stated.
The Special Adviser emphasized the importance of cooperative membership, urging fishermen to form or join cooperative societies within their Local Government Areas to access the support available through the Bureau. This includes:
Equipment grants and subsidized fishing gear
Infrastructure and storage solutions
Business training and funding pathways
During the meeting, Mr. Edu Usoro and other union leaders raised concerns regarding:
Insecurity along fishing routes and shorelines
Shortage of essential fishing tools
Limited access to affordable credit
The Bureau acknowledged these concerns and assured union members that plans are underway to address them through inter-agency collaboration, community safety initiatives, and cooperative-driven funding schemes. This renewed government focus on infrastructure, empowerment, and safety is part of a larger rural development mandate under the Arise Agenda, designed to elevate rural livelihoods across all 31 LGAs.
“Let’s build together. Let’s grow together. Akwa Ibom fishermen deserve more— and help is on the way.”
– Mr. Idorenyin Ekpo, Country Director of Cooperators Without Borders Nigeria,