Andoni LGA Plans To Revive Fishing Settlement In Rivers

Mr Kagban Ofik

Mr Kagban Ofik, Caretaker Chairman, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers says the council is ready to return commercial activities to Oyorokoto Fishing Settlement.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the settlement, a major fishing hub, was attacked by suspected cultists three months ago.

Ofik gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

He said that the council with officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and state Ministry of Environment had inspected the area with a view to return commercial activities.

He said that the tour was geared towards ascertaining the level of damage during the crisis and also to provide a platform on how affected residents could be rehabilitated.

“Oyorokoto Fishing community is very strategic to the economy of Andoni Local Government and its environs as it accommodates more than 80 per cent of our deep sea fishing and other fish related transactions.

“It is, therefore, necessary that the council in collaboration with agencies like NEMA and the state government should provide assistance by rebuilding the community and assisting affected residents.
“We shall provide fishing equipment, engines and some boats to help those who lost their fishing equipment return to business,” he said.

The Chairman also warned against cultism, adding no meaningful development could thrive in an unrest environment.

Mr Joseph Akpofabe, Information Officer of NEMA, said that the Agency accompanied the council chairman to inspect the settlement.

He said that the agency successfully carried out an impact assessment analysis on Oyorokoto fishing community and assured of its readiness to assist residents with food and non-food items.

“NEMA had written to the Director General based on the outcome our visit to Oyorokoto fishing settlement, we are waiting for signal so we can start disbursement of both food and non-food items,” he said.