The Onibeju of Ibejuland, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Oba Rafiu Salami on Sunday urged government at all levels to invest in fishing festivals, in order to boost their revenue, due to the huge potential therein.

Salami told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that fishing festivals were fast gaining both national and international recognition.

According to him, the fishing festival is a festival that brings together fishermen, community members and visitors, to celebrate the deities of rivers and bodies of water where such festivals are held.

“Some people may think it is fetish but it is not; it is a traditional rite to be performed for the deities of the rivers or bodies of water in our various communities.

“It is necessary to celebrate the goddess of a river or a body of water, in other to get the rivers and bodies of water to produce enough fish for the fishermen to harvest all through the year.

“If traditional rites are not accorded to such deities, the fishermen and community members may not be able to get a good harvest of fish. Therefore, it is always necessary to adore such deities.”

The monarch said that fishing festivals were usually celebrated yearly, adding that the 2015 festival in his community would hold on November 20.

He said there were lots of activities set aside to entertain visitors, during such festivals, such as games, drama, cultural displays and other traditional activities.

Salami said that the annual celebration of the fishing festival started in his community only four years ago but needed more awareness and government support.

The monarch said that millions of fish were being harvested each year, stressing that if government could invest in it, it would generate huge revenue.

“The government of each state should, therefore, invest in its rich aquatic tourism potential, to boost its economy.” (NAN)

•Photo shows

Update news