The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fish

  • ‘It is better to teach women how to fish’

    ‘It is better to teach women how to fish’

    Hajia Talatu Nasir is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Katsina State. She is also a member of the All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and Co-ordinator of the Forum of African Women Educationists (FAWE) Katsina State chapter. Nasir who is passionate about female-related issues tells Adetutu Audu it’s better to teach women how to fish because they are the bedrock of any society.

     

     

    How is your ministry affecting the lives of women? Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs oversees everything that has to do with women. Whatever that concerns women in any of the other ministries, be it agriculture, empowerment, education, be rest assured that the women affairs ministry will be involved. This is because women are seen as the bedrock of the society. That is the reason Katsina is like a paradise for women. When the governor was elected in 2007, he promised to uplift the image of women by supporting them. The first thing the governor did, together with the Service to Humanity Foundation run by his wife, Dr Fatimah, were trainings and workshops for women, because Dr Fatimah felt that it was better to teach women how to fish rather than give them fish all the time. The Women Affairs Ministry also collaborated with the Service to Humanity and other NGOs like WOFAN to do trainings for women in different areas of farm produce so that they could stand on their own. Her Excellency gave out seedlings so that participating women could start planting themselves.

    They were also taught how to make powder and extraction of oil and other things. After this, government provided funds with which the ministry bought some engines. One of the engines can extract one tonne of groundnut oil a day. And we distributed it free of charge including take-off grants. And that is why if you visit some villages, you see Moringa plants everywhere.

    After that, we moved to arts and craft. We started teaching women these skills because, as we all know, it is not everybody that wants to go into farming, just as it is not everyone that will go into arts and craft. So these women were taken to the state’s arts and craft village, which is a model for other states, to learn how to make bags and shoes. These bags and shoes are so good that they are in high demand.

    What has been the response of people to the new era for women?

    Most encouraging. For instance, when the Minister of Information came here the other time on Good Governance Tour and saw the kind of bed sheets these women were making, he liked them and even took some home. When I saw him in Abuja recently, he was asking for more of the bed sheets. Many of our women now make the bed sheets for a living. There are some who are into perfumes, air freshener, children wears, gowns; you will think the wears are made abroad. There are some who were taught the engineering part of GSM; they can repair phones now. You also have those who are into poultry, tie and dye. You will marvel at the adire clothes they make. They are also into painting. And let me shock you, do you know that these women are part of those who paint government establishments? The Shema’s administration made it a policy such that these young able men and women produce the paint and it is this paint that we now use to paint government establishments. Go to the Government House, the paint you see on the wall was manufactured by these boys and girls. Meanwhile, after all the trainings, they are provided with funds to start on their own. Beyond that, this ministry also purchases equipment for them so that they can take off properly. And those who benefit more from this largesse of government are women in the rural areas.

    During the International Women’s Day celebrations last year, Dr Fatimah invited the cooperative societies in all the 34 local government areas of the state and provided six tricycles popularly called Keke NAPEP to eight groups in each local government area including those with HIV. On the spot, she also provided three kinds of machines for groundnut frying, grinding and oil extraction. She crowned it all with N50, 000 to each of them. Now we have groundnut centres in each of the local government areas of the state. When you are making groundnut oil, there is something they call slut which is more of waste product. Dr Fatimah brought in experts who turned the waste product to wealth such that they could now make soap out of it.

    How are you tackling the issue of maternal mortality?

    Maternal mortality is reducing because the ministry is actively involved together with Service to Humanity to see that all the factors bringing about high maternal mortality are checked. Her Excellency introduced traditional birth attendants in the state. We went round to look for these birth attendants and trained them in the modern way of taking delivery. These attendants are making impact such that we have now reduced maternal mortality in the state. In the last two years, we have not recorded any complications arising from delivery.

    There are those with sickle cell anaemia. Two sets of people are affected: children who are the direct victims and their mothers who suffer the brunt. The Service to Humanity organisation established three clinics mainly for these victims in all the three senatorial districts: Katsina, Funtua and Daura. They receive free drugs and clutches for those who are physically challenged. This intervention of Her Excellency is even attracting victims to these hospitals, especially from Niger Republic and the neighbouring states.

    How is government tackling the challenge of VVF which is rampant in this part of the country?

    Victims, just like those of anaemia, are mostly not from Katsina, they are from neighbouring states and countries. Government admits them and treats them free of charge. After they are cured, there is also a rehabilitation centre where they are trained in different skills. This is for a period of nine months. They get N10, 000 every month during training. On graduation day, they are supported with equipment in their areas of skills and N50, 000. In fact this year, it was N70,000 they all received. We graduated 100 women this year. Out of this 100, only 36 of them are from Katsina State. The rest are from neighbouring states like Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano and Niger Republic. In this state, we have what is called International Rural Women’s Day which is an initiative of the governor. It is only observed in the western countries. On this day, women are picked randomly and are given take-off grants.

    In Katsina State, education, at all levels, is free. In order to improve the level of education of the girl-child, government established the girl-child school, separate from the conventional one, to accelerate the education of the girl-child. This is in line with the MDGs policy that there should be exclusive schools for girls. There is one school each for girls in all the local government areas of the state which means the schools are nearer to them and have increased the enrolment of girls in the state. There is also the issue of scholarship for girls even to study outside the country. We have our girls in Sudan, UK and other countries, studying different courses. Beyond this, the government, once your admission is secured, provides money for tuition for the duration of your stay in the school. If it is a four-year course, the money is paid in full so that there won’t be any issue of disruption in your studies.

    Polio is still prevalent in the country. What are you doing to checkmate it?

    Our women are responding to this issue more than ever before. Unlike before, the issue of polio in the state has drastically reduced. This is because government co-opted other stakeholders in the drive to push out polio from the state. All our religious and royal fathers are now in the fore front passing the message across to our women to see the importance of visiting hospitals early, and they are responding. There are mobile ambulances targeted at these women because we discovered that the distance between where they live and the General Hospital may be more than five kilometres long.

    The mobile ambulances go from village to village to attend to the medical needs of these women. And the governor has even gone a step further, apart from the 34 mobile ambulances; he says more should be provided that would go into the interiors of these villages. The Turai Hospital is specifically meant for women and their children. In this hospital, surgical operation is carried out there free of charge and that is why the place is always a beehive of activities.

     

  • The fish question

    The fish question

    •Banning food importation is a good goal but fails to tackle the basic problem of agriculture

    News of an imminent ban on the importation of fish by the Federal Government has again exposed worrying policy issues in the country’s agricultural sector. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, represented by the Federal Director of Fisheries, Mrs. Foluke Areola, at the inauguration of the Special Growth Enhancement Support Scheme for Fisheries and the Aquaculture Value Chain, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, said the planned  move was in line with the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

    It is precisely such appeal to authority, in this case the administration’s publicised programme, which is a cause for concern. Regrettably, there has been much talk about transformation, but little or nothing to show for it. According to the minister, the country has no business importing fish, given its vast natural and renewable resources. Interestingly, the issue of agricultural self-sufficiency is an old song, but words are simply not enough.  It is noteworthy that a ban on importation of rice is also on the cards, and a director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Adebisi Buhari, was recently quoted as saying that this would happen next year to enhance local production.

    It is a shame that the country depends on others to feed its population, and government officials find it easier to speak of stopping food imports than taking concrete steps to address the question of poor agricultural production in a country that is richly endowed with land and water. Only last week, a fascinating incident on Alpha Beach in Lagos perhaps mirrored the impoverishment of the people, not only in material terms, but also in a nutritional sense. A crowd descended on a dead whale that had been washed ashore, and many desperately cut pieces of the aquatic mammal, most likely for food.

    In another disturbing case that hinted at the local under-exploitation of water resources, the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) recently raised an alarm over the planned illegal introduction of “a strange fish species” into the country by an Asian firm. The logical conclusion here is that the unidentified company saw a business opportunity, in the light of fish demand and supply in the country. Who is to blame for the lacuna?

    It was evidence of this deficiency that the agriculture minister, while projecting his transformation vision, said, “The value chains are to create an enabling environment for increased and sustainable production of over one million tonnes of fish within the next four years, generate employment and pursue gradual reduction of fish imports.”  He spoke of a four-year implementation plan that would boost the annual production of fingerlings in the country by 1.25 billion tonnes.

    While this gradualism is sensible, it is pertinent to note that there is nothing sacrosanct about the plan, which can always be overturned by another administration, if not reviewed in the course of implementation. It is such possibilities and the negative implications for a conclusive agricultural production policy for the country that are particularly troubling.

    Evidently, the country would benefit greatly from a revolution in agriculture, and there is no doubt that political will is a key consideration.  However, the desired result can be achieved not by focusing on production alone, but also by paying serious attention to the equally important factor of storage and preservation. For example, it is no secret that in the country’s Middle Belt, which is generally regarded as a “food basket,” unquantifiable farm produce rot because of bad storage and preservation. Additionally, an effective supply and distribution infrastructure is an indispensable requirement.  It goes without saying that providing food security for the people, specifically in terms of availability and affordability, constitutes an important aspect of good governance.

  • Agency decries Asian firm’s introduction of ‘strange’ fish

    Agency decries Asian firm’s introduction of ‘strange’ fish

    The Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) has decried the plan by an Asian firm to illegally introduce what it called “a strange fish specie” into the country.

    Mrs Foluke Areola, a director of Fisheries at FDF, spoke in Lagos with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    She alleged that the firm had been sending e-mails to fish farmers, informing them of its plan to distribute fingerlings of a specie called “Mekong giant catfish” to Nigerian fish farmers.

    “The effect of allowing this specie of unknown origin will be detrimental to the ecosystem, in terms of bio-diversity of our waters and the commercially cultured species in the country.

    “Obviously, this is not being planned to go through due process under an import licence and quarantine procedure of the movement of live fish among countries,” Mrs Areola said.

    She added that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) should be put on the alert to frustrate any attempt to import live fish into the country.

    Mrs Areola urged stakeholders not to buy the imported catfish and to look out for those who are trying to import the fish.

    “We must all police the importation of this giant fish and report accordingly to ensure that they do not succeed.

    “Farmers are also warned not to attempt to culture the catfish,” she said.

     

  • Awe’s mysterious lake and fish

    Awe’s mysterious lake and fish

    Sogidi Lake in Awe near Oyo, in Oyo State has a reputation of being sacred, with lots of healing power. Due to this, people are forbidden from killing the fishes or serving them as delicacies. Taiwo  Abiodun who recently visited the lake writes.

    he environment is cool with lush green leafed trees enveloping the surroundings. Apart from the fence, the trees   also serve as a protection for the mysterious lake that has attracted many from far and near. Many make the long journey to this rustic town to verify the authenticity of the stories they have heard or read about the lake and its mysterious fishes.
    In the lake are fishes of all sizes and shapes swimming, splashing water and jumping as if tempting the reporter to dare kill any of them! However, a stern warning had been handed to the reporter by the guide. He had said before conducting the reporter round that, “Don’t ever attempt to kill any fish or else you will blame yourself! Many have lost their lives and their beloved ones for trying it, I have warned you!’’  With this stern warning echoing in his mind, the reporter remembered his early biblical teaching “to obey is better than sacrifice.”
    The origin of the lake
    Welcome to Sogidi Lake in Awe, Oyo State. According to the custodian of the lake, Pa Stephen Adebayo Ojedele,   the lake has been there since 1750 when the town was discovered. “It was discovered when the monarch, Ilemolu and his entourage were thirsty. The monarch then sent some hunters under the leadership of one Metio to search for water to quench their thirst. Along the line, while in the bush, one of the hunters sighted some monkeys on trees and they pursued them. As one of them corked his local riffle, ready to shoot, another hunter discovered a pool of water under the tree where the money was. The hunters  stopped  their   partner from shooting,  having  found what they  were looking for [water].They  believed  it was due to the assistance of the monkeys that they discovered the water.”
    Ojedele  added that the hunters also saw some  cherry fruits [agbalumo] by the lake, tasted it and said it was  a real fruit,  and  having found it tasty and delicious  they  cried out in   their  local dialect that it was  a real fruit , Eso gidi, this was later shortened to Sogidi, which later became the name of the lake till date.
    In honour of the hunters’ discovery, the painting of a mermaid and monkeys jumping from one tree to another, as well as hunters with their guns are drawn on the walls of the lake to serve as a memento and in appreciation of the efforts of the hunters.
    Forbidden fish
    According to Pa  Ojedele, Sogidi water could appear rough but it is clean, healthy and  good for drinking as well as being highly  medicinal. He said the water tastes like any of the well treated and bottled water. The mystery is that as a lake which does not flow nor does any flow into it, it is good. However, during the raining season it overflows its banks. He added that there has never been any record of cholera breakout in the town as a result of drinking the water.
    As early as 7a.m. women come out to sweep the surrounding and keep it clean. According to Ojedele, “Nobody is allowed to go into the compound with shoes or sandals on, that is the rule. Asides that, nobody is allowed to scoop the water with a bowl, but buckets are dipped into it in order to fetch it (the water). In the olden days gourds were the only acceptable thing used to fetch it, but nowadays bucket is allowed, and this is dipped in once.”
    He added, “The fishes are strange. Some are as big as my lap, others are tiny, but it is forbidden for anyone to kill or eat it as a delicacy.’’  Asked about the repercussion that would befall anyone who flouts this, the guide said whoever kills the fish he or his family members are bound to die mysteriously! To buttress this, he said: “Such had happened before. In 1973 when soldiers had their Barracks in Awe and Oyo, one of them had the effrontery to challenge the taboo. He went ahead and killed some of the fishes, and when he cooked them they didn’t get cooked. They were returned back into the lake dead. Seven days later three of the soldier’s children died, they were then living in Asalu’s compound, here in Awe.” However, this could not be independently confirmed but many of the residents vouched that it was true.
    It is also said that an Igbo man killed some of the fishes and took them home for cooking but they were not done, he reportedly returned them again into the lake.
    On the story that the fish was once a human being, Ojedele could neither confirm nor deny it. He, however, said he could only talk authoritatively on the fact that it is forbidden to kill fishes. He also failed to deny the existence of mermaid.
    “Nobody must kill the fish no matter how  spiritually strong  the person is, the fish may die on their own in the lake as a result of old  age while some bigger ones  always swallow the smaller ones but no one must kill and eat them, the Awe indigenes know this  and would not even try it.’’
    Mermaid
    The painting of the mermaid on the walls of the fence is evidence of the historical fact that the lake once had a mermaid living in it.  Ojedele said, “It comes out in the afternoon when everywhere is hot. It has a woman’s head down to her waist and the rest of her body is that of a fish with a big tail wagging. It appears in November when celebrating Awe Day. The mermaid does not come out again because of dirtiness of human beings. But once in a while it shows herself that she is still around. Anytime a doubting Thomas wants to cause a stir at the lake or doubt her or mock her, the person would experience a lot of things such as he could have his  head  being too  heavy and unable to move or one may hear strange things or objects being thrown into the lake producing strange sounds! Most times, the water on one’s head could be turning or foaming, all these show that the mermaid is still in the vicinity.
    Spiritual power of the water
    A woman who is in her 90s claimed that she used the Sogidi Lake water when she was looking for a child.  “I know many would say because they are Christians or Muslims they would not believe, but it is what had happened and it is still happening today. While those who had benefitted from the mysterious water would be feeling shy to own up but in the wee hours of the day they would secretly come there to take the water. It is real. I have delivered seven children through the assistance of Sogidi Lake.”
    Mrs. Maria Okediwura, a native also testified to the healing and medicinal powers of Sogidi water. She said, “Many come from Oyo town, Lagos and from overseas to take from the water for healing and lots of people used to come irrespective of their religious affiliations. They will bring assorted cans, bottles and plastic bottles to take the water, in fact some send for it from overseas. I can testify to it that many women who used the water while looking for the fruits of the womb got children, some too got healings, yet we are happy that even the so called pastors do come there to scoop from the water and pray on it for their followers or for those seeking for God’s favour. The Muslims, Christians and Aladura people  come there too.”
    Ojedele said one of those whose prayers had been answered by the power of the lake have returned to thank Sogidi and assisted in painting the wall, as a sign of appreciation.
    Testifying further to the efficacy and spiritual healing of the water, Chief Oguntobi Joseph [88] described the lake as a gift to the town. “I am old now. I cannot tell you all but go and ask the custodian of the place he would tell you all about the mystery of Sogidi. It is a good tourist attraction for all activities, it is gift from the above,’’ the old man said with total conviction.
    Neglected place
    Though it was once in a thick forest, Sogidi Lake has become part of the town, as buildings have been erected in the area, “It is now very accessible. Unlike in those days when nobody could near the vicinity around. Today one is free to go there at any time of the day, no more fear.”
    In spite all the stories on Sogidi, the place has not been given  proper care, according to the custodian. “The Oyo State government has not done enough to make the place be a tourist centre as it should be, though some years  back they came to assist  and they built these brick moulded  benches, and also provided  the fence to make it secure but since then it had been abandoned and  left alone. We  as individuals  are the ones taking care of the place, it is painful ,  that it is no  longer  appreciated by the government.”
    Sacrifice for the lake
    When it is prayer time or when the town is facing a calamity, the Christians and Muslims cooperate with traditional worshippers to offer prayers by the lake.
    Another mysterious thing is the disappearance of animals offered as sacrifices to the lake, “If it demands for a goat or a cow, what it demanded for is tethered on one of the trees at a spot there. And what surprise us is that before the next morning the animal would have disappeared mysteriously. Nobody would go there to take it, and nobody dare try it and that is Sogidi for you. And again if there is need to offer a special sacrifice to the lake by the indigenes, each house will have to contribute money no matter how small and buy the cow or goat and when  it is slaughtered  no matter what, all the indigenes must partake in  having their own share, no matter how small the size  given out, every household must have their fair share.”
    But how did the town (Awe) derive its name? Ojedele   explained that when the  natives migrated from Ile Ife they stayed under a tree called Igi Aruwewe, of which they later  shortened to Igi Awe, the place is reserved till today for the coming generation to see. There is a tree which had been planted since 1750, and it is still surviving; it is called Igigi Ogogo. It is old and has holes in it but it never gets dry.

  • Association to govt: Develop fishing to create wealth

    Chairman of Ibeju Lekki Fishers Cooperatives Society, Lagos State, Mr Odubitoe Lateef has urged the state government to develop fishing as a means of wealth creation.

    Lateef said the profession was capable of engaging many youths in the country, if well exploited by the government. He, therefore, urged the government to address the challeges confronting the sub-sector such as lack of funding and modern equipment.

    “We want the government to provide us with modern equipment that will enable us to compete with our counterparts in the western world.

    “It will make fish available and cheap as well as reduce the importation of fish.
    “It is unwise to import fish in a country like Nigeria where we have enough rivers.” He said the association was encouraged by the state government’s support.

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has launched the artisanal fishing inputs service delivery programme.

    During the launch of the programme at Orimedu Beach, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, said the programme was aimed at empowering and equipping youths.He said the government had spent more than N3 million to purchase fish farming equipment for the programme.