…How NIMASA splashed N300bn to coach seafarers with out vessels

…Blue economic system with out blue waters

…How newsmen can use their quick fingers to wealth

Mounting a dinner night time in Port Harcourt at a time corresponding to this (state of emergency) might be explosive by itself, however when it’s by Journalists, it attracts much more sensitivity.

When the dinner night time began, it drew flaks and bombs. How would anyone reveal how an enormous FG company splashed N300bn to coach seafarers when it didn’t even personal a vessel?

Earlier than anyone would swallow that, one other bombshell dropped, pointing to the possible futility of trying a blue economic system in polluted or colored waters. The decision went out that the oil area should be cleaned up earlier than the states embark on any significant blue economic system programme. Clear up? $12bn was quoted.

Then, journalists had been referred to as clever fingers. They have to discover use for such attribute.

These appear to be the highpoints of the Correspondents Press Week which befell within the second week of April 2025.

It normally marks per week for members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The Week permits the Correspondents and their mates and households to return collectively, look at vital points, and unwind at an evening with dinner.

On the dinner which befell on the NBA Corridor, Ofon Okon, the Government Secretary of the Institute of Export Operations and Administration (IEOM), referred to as on the federal authorities to implement the 30% rebate request put earlier than the federal government to spice up the underutilized jap ports, warning that failure to take motion will depart Nigeria’s maritime economic system in decline whereas different nations race forward.

He bemoaned the poor state of jap ports corresponding to Calabar, Rivers, Onitsha, Onne, Warri and Koko ports, describing them as ‘idle belongings’ losing away as a result of years of coverage neglect and lack of infrastructure funding.

“For the jap ports to work, there ought to be 30% rebate and you will note all of the jap ports open. Calabar Port is sort of a swimming pool at this time. Koko Port is a forgotten undertaking,” he lamented.

Udofia harassed that unlocking the potential of the blue economic system begins with strategic investments and insurance policies that encourage commerce by means of uncared for maritime corridors.

He challenged the College of Port Harcourt, Uniport, and different establishments in Rivers State to rise to the event. He needs them to start out programs in Blue Economic system so in close to future, the area could be centre of blue economic system civilization.

“Should you don’t do one thing on time, others will take over from you. Why is Uniport not providing blue economic system as a course, to make Rivers State the centre of blue economic system?”

Highlighting the position of media professionals in selling commerce, he proposed an NUJ Export Entrepreneurial Programme, with a give attention to the jap ports. In keeping with him, journalists are uniquely positioned to achieve the export sector as a result of their attain, entry, and analysis abilities.

Learn additionally: How Rivers might seize lead position in Nigeria’s $200bn blue economic system – knowledgeable at journalists’ discussion board

“Journalists can do brokerage by linking consumers to sellers all around the world and make some huge cash. You journalists have pondering fingers; there is no such thing as a nook in Nigeria that you just can not enter and are available out. You have to get up and export your service. When writing your information tales, take a look at the atmosphere — there are such a lot of merchandise in Nigeria which can be extremely valued and extremely priced overseas.”

Udofia linked Nigeria’s persistent insecurity to mass unemployment, emphasizing that the export worth chain might be a robust software for job creation and financial stability.

“See the problem of insecurity on this nation is fueled by unemployment. Anybody who’s gainfully employed can not go into kidnapping or banditry. Export worth chain is a sector that may curb unemployment in Nigeria,” he acknowledged.

Taking a swipe at what he described as ‘beauty approaches’ to coaching and capability constructing within the sector, he criticized the apply of issuing export licenses to people with no formal export data.

He questioned why anybody going into export wouldn’t be required to coach and be licensed earlier than getting the certificates.

“Nigeria is the one nation on this planet the place individuals are given an export license with out having any data of export. You don’t study export in seminars,” he argued.

Citing a current report, Udofia took a swipe on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Security Company (NIMASA) and questioned the rationale behind NIMASA’s funding in seafarer coaching, regardless of Nigeria missing a nationwide fleet.

“I learn within the information that NIMASA paid N300 billion to coach 3,000 seafarers, a rustic with none vessel or delivery line. So, after their coaching, the place will you place them?” he requested.

He additionally famous that Nigeria’s present college curriculum is outdated and never designed to construct entrepreneurs or remedy sensible issues.

“Our college curriculum is certificate-based. It was designed for individuals to graduate and work within the civil service, to not remedy issues or create wealth.”

On world commerce dynamics, he stated current insurance policies underneath U.S. President Donald Trump, notably those who decreased dependence on Chinese language imports, ought to be seen as a possibility for Nigerian exporters.

“What Trump is doing is just not an issue however a possibility for nations like Nigeria to enter export and to extend our export capability,” he stated.

Blue economic system, Nigeria’s future – Essien

On the opening day, the subject material was totally examined by consultants. The keynote speaker was Ubong Essien, the founder and CEO of the Blue Economic system Academy and dean of Faculty of Eloquence. He was one of many members of the think-tank in NIMASA that formulated the Blue Economic system Scheme earlier than the current administration adopted the idea right into a undertaking with a ministry to drive it.

Essien nonetheless warned that Nigeria is a “sea-blind nation” and Rivers State dangers squandering its coastal benefit if it fails to develop a coherent Blue Economic system technique.

Delivering a keynote tackle nearly on the opening ceremony, Essien issued a scathing critique of the state’s failure to harness its maritime potential, calling for pressing motion and journalist-led advocacy to reverse a long time of neglect.

“You possibly can’t dwell subsequent to the Atlantic and stay detached to it. You possibly can’t report from Port Harcourt and act such as you’re inland. You possibly can’t be coastal and clueless,” Essien stated in his tackle themed “Blue Economic system – Beginning Steps for Rivers State.”

He described Nigeria’s failure to develop its ocean belongings as ‘ocean amnesia,’ regardless of the nation’s 853km shoreline, wealthy biodiversity, and geo-strategic maritime place in West Africa.

“Nigeria is a sea-blind nation. Our obsession with oil has blinded us to a good larger wealth: the Blue Economic system.”

Citing a pointy drop in U.S. oil imports from Nigeria — from practically a million barrels per day to only 5,000 barrels per day in 2020 — Essien stated the financial warning indicators had been clear, however ignored. “That ought to’ve been our wake-up name to diversify. However we hit snooze,” he stated.

Turning consideration to Rivers State, Essien stated the state should shed its passivity and assume management in ocean-based improvement, stressing that geography has given it each a possibility and a accountability.

“Rivers State ought to be Nigeria’s Blue Economic system headquarters; house to ports, pipelines, mangroves, fisheries, and floating alternatives. However with out the media taking part in its half, this chance will float away,” he stated.

As a part of a proposed motion plan for Rivers State, he outlined a five-point blueprint together with to Launch a state-wide ocean literacy marketing campaign and Blue Economic system coverage;

Facilitate blue-friendly infrastructure; Empower coastal communities, particularly youth and fisherfolk; Put money into youth upskilling and marine-based entrepreneurship; Mobilize media-led public enlightenment.

He charged journalists within the state to reposition themselves not solely as reporters however as ‘rescuers of nationwide consciousness.’

“Each journalist in Rivers State value his or her salt — no ocean pun meant — should carry two beats, and one among them should be the ocean,” Essien stated.

He defined that the Blue Economic system intersects with each journalistic beat: air pollution is a well being story, port congestion is financial, maritime insecurity is nationwide safety, and coastal erosion is a local weather disaster.

“Ocean journalism is just not a distinct segment. It’s a necessity,” he stated, calling for a rethinking of how riverine areas are considered and lined.

“The phrase ‘riverine areas’ has change into a synonym for poverty and neglect, as a substitute of alternative and funding. We should reprogram our notion,” Essien harassed.

Essien challenged journalists within the state to change into champions of what he referred to as ‘Ocean Journalism,’ insisting that the media should do extra than simply report—it should rescue public consciousness about maritime potential.

“Each journalist in Rivers State value his or her salt—no ocean pun meant—should carry two beats, and one among them should be the ocean. Air pollution is a well being story. Port congestion is an financial story. Artisanal fishing is a livelihood story. Coastal erosion is a local weather story. The ocean runs by means of each different beat.”

The previous Particular Adviser on Technique and Communications to the Director Basic of NIMASA laid out a five-point blueprint for Rivers State to embrace the blue economic system. These embrace a state-wide ocean literacy coverage, coastal infrastructure upgrades, empowering riverine communities, youth upskilling, and media-led public enlightenment.

He emphasised the vital position of journalists in shaping the longer term, stating: “You aren’t bystanders. You’re the bridge between technique and society. You’re the Fourth C within the 4 Cs of maritime progress—Collaboration, Cooperation, Coordination, and Communication.”

Linking the blue economic system to journalist welfare, Essien argued that this rising sector presents recent storytelling alternatives and earnings streams. “There’s a position for maritime journalists, port correspondents, blue economic system writers, ocean local weather reporters, and sustainability media professionals,” he stated. “Journalists can monetize experience, present consultancy, construct area of interest manufacturers, and diversify earnings.”

He warned that the largest risk to progress is just not a scarcity of sources however a scarcity of imaginative and prescient. “The one most necessary factor Rivers State can do is launch an all-out conflict towards its best inside enemy: ocean blindness,” Essien stated.

“It’s the lack to see the financial potential, environmental leverage, innovation frontier, and human capital alternative that the ocean represents.”

He additionally referred to as for a shift in notion of riverine communities, typically handled as marginal. “Riverine shouldn’t be an obstacle. It ought to be a strategic designation—a sign to take a position, empower, develop, and prioritize.”

As a subsequent step, Essien proposed the launch of a Blue Economic system Media Discussion board in partnership with the Correspondents’ Chapel earlier than the tip of 2025, aimed toward strengthening journalist involvement in ocean consciousness and coverage advocacy.

“This isn’t only a keynote. It’s a kickoff. Let this second be the tip of sea-blindness and the start of sea-boldness. The ocean is now not surroundings—it’s technique.”

Clear up the Niger Delta first – professor

Because the propositions for a blue economic system kick-start was starting to climb to a crescendo, a clincher got here in from a professor of economics and robust monetary consultants and ex-banker.

He halted the dialog across the Blue Economic system in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, saying it’s unrealistic with out first addressing the widespread environmental air pollution and degradation brought on by a long time of oil exploration, an knowledgeable has warned.

The professor, Silva Opuala-Charles, who’s President of Backyard Metropolis Premier Enterprise Faculty and former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Finance, stated the Niger Delta can not genuinely pursue a blue economic system when its waters are nonetheless stained by oil spills and its marine life is devastated by air pollution.

Opuala-Charles spoke on the opening ceremony as particular visitor of honour: “We are saying Blue Economic system, however what’s blue about our waters? The waters are darkish, oily, and poisonous. The creeks are useless zones. Our fishermen convey again nothing however tales of hardship. Earlier than we will discuss tapping into the ocean economic system, we should clear up the mess first.”

Harping on the theme: “Blue Economic system: Beginning Steps for Rivers State”, he cited United Nations knowledge exhibiting that 13 million barrels of oil have been spi spilled in over 7,000 incidents within the Niger Delta since 1958.

“You can not discuss of aquaculture when the fishes are useless. You can not converse of marine tourism when your waters reek of crude oil. We should inform ourselves the reality – this isn’t a blue economic system, this can be a pink economic system soaked in air pollution,” he acknowledged.

Opuala-Charles referenced a 2023 Reuters report which estimated that it will take $12 billion and 12 years to scrub up your complete Niger Delta area. He stated any authorities or company talking concerning the Blue Economic system should first prioritize a complete clean-up marketing campaign, beginning with essentially the most affected riverine communities.

“We must always not begin with coverage paperwork and media launches. We should begin with a mop. Clear the rivers, clear the creeks, restore the mangroves, then discuss progress,” he emphasised.

He additionally criticized the absence of a tailor-made Blue Economic system coverage framework for Rivers State, warning that counting on federal insurance policies alone will sideline the peculiar environmental and socio-economic wants of the area.

“The place is the coverage? The place is the construction? The place is the funding plan? A Blue Economic system agenda should not be a cut-and-paste from the federal stage. We want a Rivers-specific method that places clean-up and restoration on the heart,” he stated.

When it comes to potential, Opuala-Charles acknowledged that Rivers State is richly endowed with huge inland waterways, untapped marine biodiversity, and aquaculture potential, however harassed that environmental neglect continues to cripple financial alternatives.

He proposed that the state authorities ought to launch a State Blue Economic system Council involving stakeholders from oil host communities, academia, non-public sector, and civil society; Prioritize aquaculture coaching and funding for younger individuals in coastal areas; Develop a sustainable marine transportation grasp plan; Allocate budgetary provisions to environmental remediation and coastal safety; Foyer for worldwide funding to assist clean-up initiatives in areas affected by oil spills.

“Allow us to transfer from dependency on soiled power to sustainable financial options. However let’s not faux. There isn’t any Blue Economic system with out a inexperienced atmosphere. No fish can thrive in poisoned waters. No investor will construct a resort on a polluted shoreline. Step one is clean-up,” he concluded to a spherical of applause from journalists and media executives current.

He additional took goal on the lack of an outlined Blue Economic system coverage for Rivers State, warning that imprecise discuss with out concrete motion plans and a clear-cut construction would solely create extra confusion.

“Rivers State can not afford to piggyback on federal paperwork that don’t tackle our distinctive environmental harm. We want a domestically tailor-made technique – one which places cleanup, coastal safety, and neighborhood participation on the heart,” he stated.

Opuala-Charles really useful that the state urgently set up a Rivers State Blue Economic system Council made up of representatives from riverine communities, academia, non-public sector consultants, and civil society teams. The Council, he stated, ought to oversee all actions tied to the Blue Economic system, from budgeting to monitoring and accountability.

He additionally referred to as for direct investments in sustainable aquaculture, coaching of youths in marine-based enterprises, revival of the artisanal fishing business, and a state-wide marketing campaign to revive degraded creeks and wetlands.

“Rivers State has the potential to be the aquaculture hub of West Africa. We’ve the shoreline, the inhabitants, and the maritime tradition. However we now have didn’t leverage that as a result of we now have ignored the atmosphere. Should you kill your ocean, you kill your economic system,” he warned.

The Correspondents’ Week was attended by prime media executives, teachers, consultants, authorities officers, and civil society stakeholders.

On the dinner, Jossy Nkwocha, status capital specialist and head, company affairs division of Indorama Nigeria, stated the Correspondents have a proven a knack to get journalists out of lack and wish. He stated journalists masking the oil area sat on goldmine with out understanding it, saying they may write thrilling books and change into authorities on problems with militancy, oil pollutions, political disaster, and so on. He gave examples along with his personal life story.

Talking at numerous instances within the Press Week, Amaechi Okonkwo, chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, praised the theme of the week’s occasions and referred to as for sustained reporting on the blue economic system and maritime points within the Niger Delta and past.

“Blue economic system has the large potential to spice up Rivers State economic system. Allow us to not cease writing on the blue economic system because the weekends, however let’s proceed the discussions,” Okonkwo urged.

He additionally used the chance to honor departed members of the Chapel who handed on inside the 12 months and prolonged gratitude to supporters of the 2025 Correspondents’ Week, together with NLNG, NDDC, HYPREP, Indorama, Rivers State Training Champions League, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Business, Mines and Agriculture, PHCCIMA, Chamberlain Peterside of the Rivers State Funding Promotion Company, and all members of the Correspondents’ Chapel.

“We should recognize God who has helped us this far. I additionally need to thank those that have made this week profitable.”

Paul Bazia, state chairman of the NUJ, counseled the Correspondents Chapel and all journalists that labored exhausting for the week to go effectively, saying your complete state council was one.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, Rivers State chairperson of the Nationwide Affiliation of Girls Journalists (NAWOJ), additionally counseled the Correspondents Chapel for steadily elevating apt matters and points for focus on.