The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Rivers State Chapter, has held its maiden hybrid induction ceremony for graduate students from fisheries, aquaculture, and related disciplines across the state.
Newsmen reports that the ceremony was held at the Amphitheatre, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
The event brought together a gathering of 75 new inductees, over 90 secondary school students, and 272 registered participants from various institutions and sectors of the fisheries and aquaculture value chain.
In her welcome address, Dr Ebinimi Ansa, National President of FISON, congratulated the inductees from the Departments of Fisheries, Animal and Environmental Biology, and Fisheries & Aquatic Environment.
Ansa commended their academic achievements and charged them to leverage their knowledge to drive innovation, tackle food insecurity, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s evolving Blue Economy.
“This achievement marks a significant advancement in fisheries education in Nigeria.
“As graduates, you are encouraged to stay attuned to emerging trends and align your efforts with global development goals, especially SDGs 1, 2, 8, and 14 — aimed at reducing poverty, eradicating hunger, promoting decent work, and sustaining life underwater,” Ansa said.
She emphasized FISON’s pivotal role in national development, highlighting its contributions to food security, job creation, research, and advocacy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
She encouraged the new graduate members to remain active within the society, participate in national and chapter-level events, and stay informed via FISON’s official channels.
She noted that the ceremony underscored the need for collective action in advancing the fisheries profession and improving Nigeria’s global standing in aquaculture.
With a focus on professionalism, sustainable practices, and continuous learning, the president urged the newly inducted members to be ambassadors of responsible fisheries and environmental stewardship.
She added that FISON remains committed to empowering the next generation of fisheries professionals and invites all members to participate in upcoming events and conferences nationwide.
In her address, Prof. Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu, Chairperson of FISON, Rivers State Chapter, expressed her enthusiasm about the induction and the future of fisheries in Nigeria.
“Fisheries and aquaculture have evolved beyond traditional practices. Today, we are looking at a field rich with opportunities in research, environmental management, policy, and various aspects of the blue economy.
“Our goal is to guide students toward these promising pathways and ignite their passion for sustainable development,” Vincent-Akpu said.
She said that the event was more than a ceremonial induction.
She added that it served as a platform to introduce students to career development opportunities in sustainable food production, environmental conservation, aquatic health, innovation, and industry collaboration.
She said that the hybrid format allowed both physical and virtual participation, demonstrating FISON’s commitment to inclusive professional development.
She explained that the secondary school students in attendance also received exposure to the possibilities within fisheries and aquaculture, laying the foundation for early career interest.
According to her, the induction marks a significant step in FISON Rivers State’s efforts to build a vibrant, future-ready professional community that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security, economic diversification, and marine ecosystem protection.
Delivering his keynote address, titled “Career Paths in Fisheries and Aquaculture: Where Are We Going?,” Prof. Dauda Tanko, highlighted the entrepreneurial potential of fisheries as a tool for economic empowerment and youth self-reliance.
Tanko underscored the sector’s critical role in addressing Nigeria’s protein needs, positioning fisheries as a cornerstone of food security.
He highlighted the innovation in the production of Black Soldier Fly (BSF), a highly sustainable and profitable alternative protein source for fish feed, capable of generating significant income for agripreneurs.
The don also unveiled funding opportunities and outlined practical entry points for graduates to participate in Nigeria’s expanding Blue Economy.
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He called for the protection of aquatic ecosystems, stressing that environmental sustainability must go hand-in-hand with sectoral growth.
Newsmen reports that the inductees were from three institutions: Rivers State University, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and the University of Port Harcourt.
