Gov Diri’s SSA Harps On Importance Of Seafood Diet
byCHECKPOINTCHARLEY2. January 2024
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… As He Visits Newly Opened Seafood Restaurants At Peace Park Yenagoa
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Bayelsa State Governor on Tourism, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo has stressed the need to consume seafood regularly, informing that seafood plays a large role in the diets of the top 10 healthiest countries in the world which include, Norway, Monaco, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Finland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Singapore, Italy.
Dr. Kiyaramo who gave the stated this when visited a newly opened seafood hub located within the Peace Park in Yenagoa as part of his routine visits to tourism enterprises in the state over the weekend, maintained that billions of people around the world depend on the ocean as their fundamental source of food, saying that seafood contains high quality protein, including all of the essential amino acids for human health, making it a complete protein source.
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The governor’s aide commended the state governor, Senator Douye Diri for his foresight to create a new Ministry of Blue Economy in his second tenure in office, noted that the fisheries economy is one key sector of the blue economy but quite often overlooked as the emphasis has always being given to oil exploitation, shipping and other marine extractive activities.
“Fish is economically important as it provides quality animal proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients, which contribute to the global food and nutritional security, reiterating that people who consume fish and other seafood enjoy vitamin-rich meals that keep them healthy.
“Seafood has the vital nutrients needed for health and wellness at all ages, including omega-3s, iron, B and D vitamins, and protein. Fish and shellfish supply nutrients, vitamins, and omega 3s essential for strong bones, brain development, and a healthy heart and immune system. Seafood is a high-protein food that is low in calories, total fat, and saturated fat.
“The prosperity administration will always provide the enabling environment for small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in its drive to develop the private sector. I like to use this medium to call on our youths to take advantage of the governor’s skills acquisition programmes that are geared towards building the capabilites of our youth with a view to empowering young people across the state.
“This seafood restaurant is the best place to get all sorts seafood such as fresh lobsters, crab legs, oysters, shrimp, sea snails, crayfish, and more Regular consumption of seafood also reduces the risk of cardiac disease for the general population as well as provides essential nutrients during fetal growth and development,” Dr. Kiyaramo emphasised.
On his part, a former director of protocol in past administrations in the state, Mr. Joseph Akedeso stressed the need to explore the numerous business opportunities within the seafood chain, saying that Bayelsa has been a natural for seafood, just as he commended the proprietress of Nengi’s Seafood for her ingenuity and foresight in setting up the seafood hub.
The CEO of Nengi Seafood restaurant, Miss Lucy Nengi Ogunu, a graduate of English and Literary Studies from the State-owned Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island-Amassoma, said her seafood products were produced through an integrated food processing system that strictly complied with international best practices in food safety and sanitation standards, informing that apart of serving the local market, she also exports seafood products to several countries, including the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Canada and Ghana.
“Our food safety standards cover all aspects of food production, from gathering ingredients and materials and processing to packaging and distribution. Customers and workers have comprehensive protection just as adequate control measures have been put in place to prevent the risks that come with preparing and manufacturing food products. We believe in delivering high-quality seafood products under good hygienic conditions in line with global best practices.
“We aspire to be the leading seafood exporter in Bayelsa state and Nigeria at large in our bid to explore the global seafood market. We are interested in widening our seafood supply chain to other countries as a way of enhancing the image of Bayelsa as a preferred seafood hub in the global market. That is why we do everything in line with global best practices as our way of contributing to responsible and sustainable aquaculture,” Miss Lucy Nengi Ogunu assured.
Dignitaries that graced the event included a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Dave Asei, Bayelsa State Desk Officer for Traditional and Complimentary Alternative Medicine, Dr. Tarelah Idowu Prefa and Chief Miebu Ogunu. Highpoint of the routine visit was a guided tour of restaurants in the seafood hub by the Miss Nengi Ogunu and a mini exhibition of various seafood products.