OWUPELE BENEBO
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, has said that harnessing the power of our Marine and Blue Economy can unlock a future of prosperity, sustainable development and economic resilience in the State.
She said that for this to be achieved, concerted efforts must be made by industry players, local communities and international partners to support the Governor Fubara led Administration to achieve this feat.
Prof. Odu made this assertion while delivering the first set of Distinguished Lectures Series on the theme, “Marine and Blue Economy Assets as Pillars of Industrial Development In Rivers State”. It was organized by the Nigerian Environmental Society, Rivers State Chapter, to commemorate the 2024, World Environment Day, at Hotel Presidential, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, 5th May 2024.
Prof Odu said Marine and Blue Economy encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihood, and job creation, while ensuring the health of the marine ecosystem.
According to the Deputy Governor, the Marine and Blue Economy recognizes the ocean, as a vital driver of economic development, offering opportunities across various sectors, including fisheries, marine transport, renewable energy and tourism.
She revealed that the ocean is the new frontier for sustainable growth and development, stressing that Rivers State is endowed with strategic location along the coastal region and abundant marine resources, which is well positioned to embrace the Marine and Blue Economy as a catalyst for industrial transformation.
Prof Odu Identified six basic Marine and Blue Economy prospects in the State, which includes natural assets, biological assets, industrial assets, human capital assets, cultural and recreational assets as well as technological assets.
“To harness the full potential of our marine and blue economy assets, we must address existing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation and limited investments in capacity building and skills development” she further stressed.
The Deputy Governor, who opined that in adopting global best practices and localization, we must compliment active stakeholder’s engagements, inclusive policy making, ensuring that the voices of communities, industries, and experts are heard and incorporated into our strategies, noting that we must establish a robust frame work for monitoring and evaluating our progress towards industrial development through the marine and blue economy.
In his goodwill message, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Joe Johnson, expressed delight to be a part of the 2024 World Environment Day Celebration, noting that Rivers State, which is deltaic in nature is heavily impacted while expressing the hope that the outcome of the meeting would be an added advantage to the Rivers People.
In his opening remarks, the State Chairman of Nigerian Environmental Society, Sir Daminabo Amos Atuboyediya, said the Association aims at shaping policies that fosters suitable blue economies and discuss regulatory frame works, international collaboration and best practices.
He noted that from fisheries to aqua culture, off shore energy to marine transport our rivers harbour immense assets that holds the key to sustainable development.