Hamid Ayodeji
The Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN), has distributed smoked catfish as COVID-19 palliatives in support of the Federal Government’s effort towards curbing the spread of the corona virus pandemic.
The association made the donations to some states within the country, including Lagos, Oyo, Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Oloye Rotimi, president of CAFFAN, in a statement issued recently, noted that the gesture was to collaborate with the government so as to provide palliatives to Nigerians in order to cushion the effect of the virus in the states.
According to him, the Nigerian government at all levels should harness the economic value inherent in aquaculture for better yields and a means of diversifying the economy from its over reliance on crude oil.
He pointed out that CAFFAN is always ready and dedicated towards answering the clarion call of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thereby also calling for support from organizations and individuals to support the Government in provision of palliatives that can be used to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged in this period of a COVID-19 pandemic.
Oloye explained: “The distribution of the smoked catfish was very important at this crucial time, as it is one of the vital sources of protein with a complete profile of essential amino acids which is necessary for body building, rapid cell replication, and development of the body’s immune system.
“Home-grown Fish is a mandatory food item in every home, especially now that various diseases and infections appear to challenge our health and well being as it helps in building immune systems that fight against the ravaging effects of diseases.
“We trust that the beneficiaries of the CAFFAN Initiative in their respective states would appreciate the quality of the Home grown and processed Fish, provided by our members across the country.”
The Chairman, Catfish and Allied Fish Framers Association of Nigeria Rivers State Chapter, Clapton Ogolo said, “The donation was aimed at reducing the sufferings of the less-privileged people due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
“It is with pleasure I announce that we have also entered into a partnership with the government to provide a minimum of 500,000 juveniles to its members at highly subsidized rates, to enable them continue their farming business during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
