Fisheries Society of Nigeria’s NEC on courtesy visits to stakeholders in Lagos, Oyo States

Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) National Executive Council (NEC), led by the National President Dr Ebinimi J. Ansa Ffs set out on courtesy visits to stakeholders in the fisheries sector in Lagos and Oyo States. Other NEC Members on the trip were the Vice President, Fisheries Institute and Linkages, Dr Olalekan Oguntade Ffs, and the Public Relations Officer, Mr Elliot Faminu.

The first point of call was to the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Prof Abiodun Sule Ffs. on  6th February 2024.

Discussions focused on sectoral assessment of the fisheries industry and the blue economy. Also discussed were FISON activities for 2024 and prospective collaboration with NIOMR and other stakeholders at the national, regional, and global levels.

Top on the agenda during the visit was the proposed hosting of a Fisheries Stakeholders Summit in the second quarter of 2024. The summit is expected to bring value chain actors in the sector together to brainstorm and proffer directions and solutions for improved fish production to aid in closing the widening gap in fish availability and affordability.

Prof Sule raised issues on the need for youth mentorship, skills development, and professionalism in the sector. The ED/CEO (NIOMR) also recommended that efforts should be made to support gear and craft technology development in Nigeria. Other issues discussed during the visit include research and development on species diversification in capture and culture fisheries, and modalities for advancing the fisheries sector beyond production.

7th February, 2024.

The stakeholder’s courtesy visits continued to the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT), Victoria Island Lagos. Dr Ebinimi J. Ansa Ffs, the FISON National President with delegates, the Provost/CEO of FCFMT – Dr Onuoha P.C. Ffs and his management team, and the FISON Lagos State Chapter Executive Council (ExCo) started the day’s activities with the induction ceremony for five graduating students from the Department of Fisheries Technology, FCFMT.

Dr Onuoha highlighted key achievements of FCFMT, the foremost institution for training and the development of manpower in fisheries and maritime technology, since 1969. One of those major steps towards achieving the institution’s capabilities and improving its facilities is the soon-to-be-installed simulator for the training of maritime professionals, which will impact positively in training and maritime manpower development.

The Lagos State FISON Chapter Chairperson Prof AderonkeLawal-Are Ffs encouraged the inductees to be hands-on and practice in the Fisheries value chain so that they would not need to hunt for jobs.

The National President, Dr Ansa, inducted the Graduate Members into the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), the apex professional body for the fisheries sector since 1976. Thereafter, she conducted the investiture ceremony for Dr Paul Chuks Onuoha Ffs Provost/CEO, FCFMT, and Mrs Agnes Oladipo Ffs, Director Procurement Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) into the FISON Council of Fellows. They were unavoidably absent at the Bayelsa 2023 General Meeting.

The National Executive Council also met with the Lagos State Chapter Executives on ways to shore up membership and innovate on ways to make the chapter more active and assuring them of support.

The business of the day was capped with the courtesy visit to the Provost/CEO of the FCFMT. The National President briefed the Provost/CEO on FISON’s proposed activities for 2024 and possible areas of collaboration with the institution.

Dr Onuoha gave a detailed insight into the institution’s activities and how they may support FISON’s activities, especially in capacity development and policy.

Continuation of the stakeholder courtesy calls, the FISON NEC arrived in Ibadan and was received by Prof Emmanuel Ajani Ffsat the University of Ibadan. A quick visit was made to the Aquaculture and Fisheries Management fish farm.

9th February, 2024.

In Ibadan, the day started with a meeting with the Oyo State FISON Chapter Exco and its members. The National President Dr Ebinimi J. Ansa Ffs briefed everyone on proposed activities for 2024 and the progress made so far.

Discussions were centred around issues on reviving activities in the State Chapter and the way forward for FISON. Mr Bashir Amin – Chairman, of the Oyo State Chapter, made cogent remarks and advised the National Executive Council on setting the society strong on the path of recognition and relevance.

Other members of the State Chapter also made candid remarks and proffered the way forward for the State Chapter and National body.

Also present at the meeting were Dr Kareem (General Secretary), Prof Flora Eyibio – HOD Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan (UI); Prof Adiagha A.A. Ugwumba Ffs, Prof Emmanuel Ajani Ffs, Prof Alex UgwumbaFfs, Prof Omitoyin Ffs, Prof Aina Adeogun (Treasurer), Dr Siyanbola Omitoyin.

The NEC was advised on two key points; to align with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the completion of the Charter project – Fisheries Institute of Nigeria (FIN) Bill. It was resolved that State Chapter activities will be reactivated, and service will be provided to support the National body.

The National President also informed members that the tenure of Prof A.I. Hart Ffs as Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of the Nigerian Journal of Fisheries ends on March 25, 2024, and introduced Prof Emmanuel Ajani Ffs as the next EiC.

A courtesy call was made to a former Executive Director of NIOMR, Dr G.R. Akande Ffs, at his residence. He commended the Executives for their visit and promised to support FISON whenever he could.

The series of visits and consultations in Ibadan, Oyo State, took the executives to the country home of Otunba Bamidele F. Dada, OON, Ffs.  The delighted octogenarian gave his candid remarks concerning FISON and the importance of the society’s role in advocacy, giving policy direction, and the pooling together of all Fisheries Stakeholders. He wished the Executives well and commended them for moving on with the goals and aspirations that the Society started with in 1976.