By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for distributing 50 fishing boats, 15-horsepower Yamaha outboard engines and fishing nets to fishermen in three riverine local government areas of the state.
Oghenesivbe described the intervention as a practical demonstration of the governor’s commitment to empowering fishermen and farmers and strengthening economic activities across Delta State.
The fishing boats and equipment were distributed to beneficiaries in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas.
According to the Director-General, the initiative goes beyond providing material assistance, as the equipment constitutes productive economic assets capable of increasing fishing capacity, improving household incomes, reducing post-harvest losses and contributing to food security.
He explained that improved access to fishing equipment would enable fishermen to travel farther, spend more time on productive fishing grounds and transport their catches more efficiently.
Oghenesivbe said the benefits would also extend beyond the direct beneficiaries to fish processors, traders, transporters, boat mechanics and other businesses operating within the riverine economy.
He noted that the intervention reflects the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda, particularly its emphasis on inclusive development and creating opportunities for citizens regardless of their geographical location.
The DG said taking productive assets directly to riverine communities demonstrated an understanding of the peculiar economic realities of people living and working along Delta’s waterways.
He further linked the initiative to the economic philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on agriculture, productive sectors, economic opportunities and grassroots development.
According to him, both policy directions recognise the importance of supporting citizens to become more productive rather than relying exclusively on welfare-based interventions.
Oghenesivbe, however, said the impact of the fishing programme could be significantly enhanced if complemented by access roads, landing jetties, improved transportation and facilities capable of reducing spoilage and improving market access.
“When production is supported by infrastructure and market access, the fisherman earns more, the family becomes more economically secure, local commerce expands and the state’s food economy becomes stronger,” he stated.
He commended the planned extension of the programme to other riverine local government areas, saying it could establish a broader riverine economic empowerment framework across Delta State.
The Director-General also urged beneficiaries to properly maintain the boats, engines and fishing nets to ensure that the assets continue to generate economic value over the years.
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He said that as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the impact of government policies on citizens should remain an important measure of public confidence.
Oghenesivbe congratulated Governor Oborevwori and the beneficiaries, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration between the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Delta State’s M.O.R.E Agenda would create more opportunities for fishermen, farmers, entrepreneurs and other productive citizens.