The Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha, has called on the Federal Government, state governments and development partners to collaborate in unlocking the vast potential of the Blue Economy in Niger Delta, describing it as a critical pathway to sustainable economic growth, job creation and community development.
Key Highlights
- Bayelsa monarch urges governments to expand the Blue Economy in Niger Delta.
- Calls for stronger collaboration between government and development partners.
- Seeks policies that will create jobs for women and youths in coastal communities.
- Maritime experts advocate sustainable management of marine resources.
- Women encouraged to form cooperatives to access opportunities in the blue economy.
- Organisers stress environmental protection as key to long-term economic benefits.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme titled “Empowering Women through Blue Economy: Leadership, Sustainability and Economic Inclusion” in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, Chief Egba-Dienegha said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy should introduce practical programmes that would provide sustainable livelihoods for women and young people in coastal communities.
The monarch, who was represented by the Amayanabo of Isele-Ama, His Royal Highness Boute Levi Felagha, said the Niger Delta possesses enormous marine resources capable of transforming local economies if properly harnessed through strategic investments and supportive government policies.
He urged the Federal Government, state governments and development partners to work together in developing the region’s maritime sector, noting that the blue economy has the capacity to generate billions of naira while improving the living standards of residents.
Earlier, the Founder and President of the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative, Dr. Felicia Mogo, who addressed participants virtually via Zoom, described the programme as part of efforts to strengthen women’s participation in the Blue Economy in Niger Delta.
Dr. Mogo said the initiative focuses on improving economic inclusion for women in coastal communities by equipping them with knowledge and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the maritime economy.
She commended participants for their enthusiasm and encouraged them to establish cooperative societies that would enable them to access funding, training and other economic opportunities within the sector.
According to her, the organisation is committed to supporting the women in building sustainable livelihoods through marine-based economic activities.
Delivering a presentation during the programme, facilitator Tarinyo Akono emphasised the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem while exploiting its economic potential.
He warned against destructive fishing practices, including the use of chemicals and dynamite, as well as indiscriminate dumping of waste into rivers, describing such activities as harmful to the sustainability of marine resources.
Akono called on community leaders to provide designated waste disposal sites to reduce environmental pollution and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
He further noted that Brass remains one of Nigeria’s major fishing hubs and deserves greater attention from both the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and relevant state agencies.
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According to him, experts should be engaged to develop policies and programmes capable of advancing the maritime sector and expanding economic opportunities for coastal communities.
In separate remarks, the Women Leader of Okpoama Kingdom, Madam Obibinate Ikaye, and the Secretary of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Inko Tariworio, appreciated the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative for organising the sensitisation programme.
They expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would empower women to play more active roles in developing the blue economy while promoting environmental sustainability across the Niger Delta.
