By Kure Tashilane.
… warn fishermen against use of objects and substances that are harmful to aquatic ecology …
Nasarawa State Government has expressed interest in partnering investors and development partners in it’s quest to ensure that the fishing potentials in Pepe-ruwa lake is fully harnessed.
Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule revealed his administration’s readiness to partner interested investors in developing the huge fishing sub-sector of the state which Pepe-ruwa lake is one amongst many in his speech as the Special Guest of Honour at the Second Edition of Nasarawa State Fishing Festival held Saturday March 8th, 2025 in Tunga-Nupawa, Lafia Local Government area.
” In this connection, we shall continue to partner investors, development partners and well meaning Nigerians to develop the fishing subsector of the state economy in order to increase fish production, consumption and sustainable livelihood …
” I take the opportunity of this occasion to call on the fishermen to avoid the use of objects and substance that are harmful to the fish and the lake. By doing so we will witness aboundant healthy fish production from the lake ” The Governor warned.
He stressed that his administration would adopt the needed techniques to eliminate major fish production constraints by preserving fish stocks in order to place Nasarawa state in the map of states with commercial fish production potentials.
” This is why I commend the people of Tunga-Nupawa community for their sustained commitment and enthusiasm in staging of this event which I believe will continue to stimulate socio-economic value and attract investors to harness our fishing potentials in the state …
” This is considering the importance of fish to human life and socio-economic development and it is imperative to state that the conservation of fish biodiversity and aquatic ecology is achievable if the festival is sustained and passed on from generation to generation ” The Governor explained.
He called for concerted effort in the preservation of the existing endangered species such as; sea Lions, Hippopotamuses, Crocodiles and Pythons that have found a safe haven in the lake that need to be protected.
” It is in that regards that government is mobilizing security and the lake-guard to keep surveillance and ensure they enforce all enabling laws against poaching and obnoxious fishing practices in the lake …
” I believe that the Pepe-Ruwa fishing festival will no doubt enhance increase in internally generated revenues base of the state, provide employment opportunities for the state and fast track significant source of foreign exchange as as boost the hospitality industry of Nasarawa state ” The Governor assured.
The Governor was at the event a recipient of ‘Sarki Yakin Tunga-Nupawa’ Chieftaincy title for his administration’s commitment to the development and progress of the area by Ahmodu Jibrin Sarki Tunga-Nupawa.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Mal. Umaru Abdullahi described the fishing festival as a celebration of Nasarawa state rich aquatic endowment as well as Governor Abdullahi Sule’s commitment to diversify the agricultural sub-sector.
He stressed that the yearly fishing festival would henceforth attract investors and as well explore new frontiers in commercial fishing techniques for enhanced acceptable sustainable fishing practices in the state.
” Nasarawa state is blessed with aboundant water resources and it is our collective responsibility to harness these resources in ways that ensure long time benefits as the festival serves as a reminder to adopt modern fishing techniques, promote responsible resource management and encourage value addition in fish production ” He stated.
The Permanent Secretary appreciated various stakeholders who had contributed in various ways to make the staging of the event a huge success.
Dr. Ibrahim Tanko the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism appreciated the Governor for his commitment in opening up the various potentials in the agricultural sub-sector and that the ministry of information culture and tourism will continue to provide the necessary publicity the sector and fishing festival requires.
He stressed that his ministry is ready to do all that is required to promote the annual fishing festival so as to attract investors that would partner the state to develop the festival and tourism potentials of the lake.
The Chief Judge of Nasarawa state, Justice Aisha Bashir appreciated the Governor for fulfilling his pledge of rehabilitating the road leading to Tunga-Nupawa all the way to Pepe-ruwa lake.
She call the people of the area to continue to give the Governor the support he needs to bring more developmental initiatives to the area moving forward.
Earlier, the Chairman l, Lafia Local Government area Hon. Mohammed Haliru Arabo made a case for the the expansion and sustenance of the Pepe-ruwa fishing festival so as to improve the living conditions of people of the area.
Arabo reiterated the support and loyalty of the people of Lafia to the administration of Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule and that he has always spoken to them in a language they understand. (www.krestnews.com).