The federal government has sought collaboration between the government, tertiary institutions and private sectors to explore potentials in the marine sector in a bid to develop the nation’s blue economy.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in a keynote address delivered at the international conference of Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies (IFEDS), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state, on Friday, said the Ministry had potentials to find lasting solutions to the country’s unemployment problems.
At the event themed, “Advancing Entrepreneurship Education and Practice for Sustainable Development in Africa,” Oyetola, who was represented by the Managing Director, Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, stated that the marine and blue economy sector represented a “blue gold mine for Nigeria, rich with potential for sustainable economic growth.”
He said, “The blue economy embodies areas that all hold considerable potential for economic growth, employment creation and poverty reduction. An excellent global example worth mentioning is Norway, renowned for its significant advances in aquaculture, offshore oil drilling, wind energy, and marine biotechnology – all of which have been pivotal to its economic development.
“By harnessing innovation, embracing sustainability, and fostering collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector, we can create a thriving marine and blue economy that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s sustainable development.
“Thus, the blue economy sector promises a wealth of benefits for the growing youth population of our beloved nation, offering scope for innovation, sustainable growth and fruitful entrepreneurial paths. The economic prospects offered by our blue economy are substantial and remarkable.”
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Simeon Bamire, while seeking support from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, noted that collaboration between them would enhance more robust development.
