Marine & Blue Economy has place for future generations” – Adetola
Marine & Blue Economy has place for future generations" - Adetola
By Ruth Sunday.
The Minister of Marine & Blue economy, Adegboyega Adetola says the importance of Marine and Blue Economy in the scheme of things for the future generation cannot be over emphasised
Adetola stated this while declaring open the Annual Symposium & workshop with the theme Achieving the Blue Growth in a Changing Climate (Integrating the Coastal Communities) organized by the African Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMES) in Lagos:
Oyetola, who was represented by Professor Stephen Fakinlede, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to safety and sustainable blue economy, encouraged the participants to share viable suggestions to addressing the numerous challenges in the blue economy.
He disclosed that Blue Economy is sustainability which is making the best use of the maritime resources for the future generations.
“When we talk about Marine & Blue Economy, we talk about sustainability. And sustainability in Marine and Blue Economy means making the best use of our maritime resources a living much more for our future generations”, the minister explained.
In the areas of Marine & Blue Economy, Oyetola explained, “we have Maritime Security, Maritime Infrastructure, Ports and Terminals, Inland Waterways, Marine living which is acqua cultures and fisheries, Seabed Marine, Marine technology, Marine genetics”.
“Now we can see clearly the Maritime sustainability, and the Maritime Sector that we have in Nigeria is wide and it is our final frontier , and we have to do everything to make it sustainable so that our future generation would be better for it”.
He therefore encouraged the participants to share viable suggestions to addressing the numerous challenges in the blue economy.
Earlier in her address, the Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Chinwe Mogo President and Founder, African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMES) remarked that Climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable exploitation of marine resources had continued to threaten the health of our oceans and the well-being of the communities that rely on them.
Dr (Mrs) Mogo said the organisation, AFMESI, framed has mapped out Five-Year Strategic Plan, built on five key pillars: Engagements and Relationships, Science and Research, Advocacy and Implementation, Communication, Fundraising and Organizational Foundation, as their roadmap to navigate these challenges and pursue thier vision of a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive blue economy.
She pointed out that the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) was founded on a core mission: to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of our marine and coastal environments while fostering economic growth that benefits not just businesses but also the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on these precious resources.
“Over the years, AFMESI has championed numerous projects and initiatives in Nigeria, and across Africa, aimed at protecting our marine ecosystems, empowering coastal communities, and advancing policy frameworks that support sustainable marine practices”,she opened.
The occasion attracted the presence of many eminent Nigerian maritime bigwigs including the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; Secretary General of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African Region (Abuja MoU), Capt. Sunday Umoren; Managing Director of Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), Barr. (Mrs.) Adesuwa Ladoja; President, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Hon. Olaitan Williams; among others
