His Excellency, The Governor of Bayelsa State
His Excellency, The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State
The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Permanent Secretaries here present
The Vice Chancellor, Niger Delta University
The Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ekowe
Board of Trustees of FISON
All Past Presidents of FISON
Members of the National Executive Council of FISON
Chairman and Council of Fellows
State Directors of Fisheries
Presidents and Captains of Fisheries Industries and Associations
Distinguished Members of FISON
Distinguished Students
Distinguished Guests,
Gentlemen of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with immense pleasure and gratitude that I welcome you all to the 38th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, aptly tagged BAYELSA 2023. This gathering marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to the sustainable development of our nation's fisheries sector. The present National Executive Council came on board barely one year ago, and we believe that we are building on the good foundation laid down by the founding fathers and previous leaders of the Society. Although we were slow at the beginning due to some unforeseen circumstances, we soon gained stability and began to focus on our mandate and on the laid down constitution of our great Society.
We have achieved so much so far based on Members’ and Fellows contributions and participation in activities and Committee assignments both at State Chapter and National levels. Together, we can continue to forge ahead to attain food fish security in our States and the entire nation.
Part of the activities undertaken include:
• Induction of 48 Graduating students of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The ceremony was carried out on behalf of NEC by the immediate past National Secretary of the Society, Prof. Jerimoth Ekelemu, Ffs on 1st November 2023.
• Membership recruitment drive leading to an increase in the number of fisheries scientists registering as Professional Members of FISON in many states in the country.
• The award of 50% rebate on annual dues owed up till December 2022, also resulted in several members reinstating their membership in the Society.
• Registration of an Industrial Fish Farm, Big Blue Aquaculture, Tiga Dam, Kano, producers of a variety of fish species including Lates niloticus (Niger perch), Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia), and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was achieved.
• The Editorial Team of the Nigerian Journal of Fisheries, a publication of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria was given a boost with the appointment of two Associate Editors, Dr Akeem Dauda and Dr Victor Okomoda.
• Webinars: We hosted a webinar for members on Intellectual Property Management in collaboration James Onwusa Knowledge Propagation Foundation on 27th July 2023. In addition, two State chapters – Lagos and Rivers hosted webinars, which were attended by many participants. FISON State Chapters are being strengthened and encouraged to host programmes in their States.
• The President inaugurated the newly elected Executives of the Ondo State Chapter on 26th October 2023 at the ADP Conference Room, Alagbaka, Akure. I also visited and met with Members of Edo, Kwara State Chapters in November 2023. More interactions with State Chapters Chairmen and Secretaries are expected during the 38th AGM in Yenagoa.
• Meeting with Stakeholders: TotalEnergies E&P rolled out their Biodiversity Action Plan to representatives of FISON national executives for inputs and collaboration. NAFDAC has also begun a process for collaborating with FISON, a committee was formed by NEC headed by Dr Benjamin Ebonwu Ffs, the committees report is expected in the next few days.
• The policy draft review of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2024 -2028) commenced in 2022 under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) now Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with Agricultural Policy Research Network (APRNet) and funded by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Five of the six participating members of the team are Fellows of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria. The policy document will soon be presented to the Honourable Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security and the Honourable Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy for adoption and implementation.
• At the 44th Session of the National Fisheries Development Committee meeting on 3rd November 2023, I presented an information note for the inclusion of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the National Food Security Emergency Programme. Highlights of the note included maximizing fish production by incorporating small-scale fisheries into the food security plan as well as diversifying aquaculture species.
At this juncture, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed sponsors and stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in making this event possible. Your unwavering support and commitment to the advancement of the fisheries industry have not gone unnoticed, and we are profoundly grateful.
I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the His Excellency the Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Government and People of Bayelsa State for their gracious hosting of this conference. The serene and captivating waterscapes of Bayelsa State truly make it the "Glory of All Lands," providing a fitting backdrop for the crucial discussions we are set to engage in over the next few days and in tandem with our Conference theme “Harnessing the Fisheries Resources in the Blue Economy of Nigeria
A special acknowledgment is due to all our LOC Members and Chairman, whose dedication and support have been instrumental in bringing us together for this conference. Your commitment to the growth of the fisheries sector is commendable and greatly appreciated. I am also indebted to my colleagues, the Member of the National Executive Council of our great Society, for their unflinching support and the many sacrifices made, which are vital in shaping the future of our fisheries industry. I would also like to appreciate all our volunteers and the secretariat staff.
To all the delegates who have traveled from various States across the six geo-political zones, I appreciate your resilience in joining us here in Bayelsa State. Your commitment to being part of this conference, despite the prevailing economic challenges, is a testament to the importance you place on advancing our collective goals in the fisheries sector. In 2012, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State hosted the conference, and we are back to the State, after 11 years for the 38th Conference, I appreciate the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Allen A. Agih and the university community for their support. As we embark on the journey of exploring and harnessing fisheries resources in the Blue Economy of Nigeria, let us engage in fruitful discussions, share valuable insights, and foster collaborations that will contribute to the sustainable growth of our nation's fisheries sector.
Once again, welcome to Yenagoa, Alua, Nua, and I look forward to the enriching discussions and collaborations that will unfold over the next few days.
Thank you.
Dr Ebinimi Joseph Ansa Ffs
National President, FISON
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