By Oghenefejiro Emado
15, September 2026
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has empowered fishermen in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas with 50 fishing boats fitted with 15-horsepower Yamaha outboard engines and fishing nets.
The empowerment, which is aimed at boosting fishing activities, raising household income and improving food security in riverine communities, was flagged off at Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area on Monday.
The Governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the initiative was in line with his administration’s resolve to equip riverine dwellers with productive assets that will enhance their livelihood.
Oborevwori noted that fishing remains at the heart of the economy of riverine areas, lamenting that many fishermen still go to work with inadequate tools despite the harsh conditions they face on the water.
According to him, fishing in the riverine communities is beyond a source of income but a heritage passed from generation to generation, adding that government decided to intervene to help them fish more efficiently, earn more and better support their families.
The Governor said the scheme is a clear demonstration of the M.O.R.E Agenda of his administration, especially in creating opportunities for all and ensuring no community is left behind in the development drive.
He announced that the current distribution is the first phase, and has directed the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure Development to replicate the programme in other riverine local government areas of the state.
He charged beneficiaries to put the boats, engines and nets to proper use and ensure regular maintenance, pointing out that the equipment was provided to grow their businesses and stimulate economic activities in the coastal communities.
He also assured that his administration will sustain investment in riverine infrastructure, including access roads, landing jetties and storage facilities to cut post-harvest losses and ease movement of fish and farm produce to markets.
“We recognize the vital role our fishing communities play in our economy and food security, and we will continue to support them,” Oborevwori said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark, said the gesture fulfills one of the major promises of the Oborevwori administration to riverine people.
Clark explained that the boats were specially built to withstand tidal forces and were designed to serve both fishing and movement of agricultural produce from the creeks to markets.
He said, “Today, we are not just handing over fishing boats; we are handing over tools of livelihood, instruments of peace, and engines of economic growth to the very people of the riverine communities of Warri Federal Constituency whose major means of livelihood is fishing.”
The Commissioner said the provision of the boats, engines and nets will enable fishermen to go farther into the waters, spend more productive hours fishing and increase their catch, while also helping them to convey their harvest to markets quickly, thereby reducing spoilage and increasing profit.
He stressed that the distribution was the first batch, assuring that other riverine local government areas would be captured in subsequent phases.
Clark lauded Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to the welfare of riverine communities and urged beneficiaries and council chairmen to ensure the equipment is well maintained and deployed for the purpose intended.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Stanley Agbosa expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for the support, and assured that they would use the boats and fishing equipment judiciously to increase their yield and contribute to food security in the state.
The event was attended by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Chairmen of Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, traditional rulers, community leaders and representatives of fishermen and farmers associations.
