Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Rivers State Council, has announced that its 2025 press week will focus on harnessing the blue economy to drive economic growth in the state.
The week-long event, which begins on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Port Harcourt, will feature discussions on how Rivers State can strategically tap into its maritime resources for sustainable development.
According to the Chapel, this year’s theme, “Blue Economy: Starting Steps for Rivers State,” underscores the need for policymakers and industry stakeholders to explore economic opportunities in marine and coastal resources.
“Rivers State has immense potential in the blue economy, and it’s time to put structures in place to maximize these resources for economic prosperity,” said Amaechi Okonkwo, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
The Special Guest of Honour for the event is Prof. Silva Opuala-Charles, President of the Garden City Premier Business School, while Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, the first female President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHCCIMA, will serve as the Special Guest.
Other key speakers include Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, Executive Chairman of Xcellon Capital Advisors, who will chair the event, and Mr. Ubong Essien, Dean of the School of Eloquence and former Special Assistant to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, as the guest speaker.
Beyond discussions on the blue economy, the Correspondents’ week will also address the “Enhancing the Safety and Economic Wellbeing of Journalists in a Period of Tension and Economic Crisis,” reflecting concerns over the welfare of media professionals amid economic challenges.
The Press Week will also feature a dinner party, facility tours, a special congress, and a visit to an orphanage. It will conclude with a thanksgiving service at the Redemption Hall Model Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Port Harcourt.
Okonkwo urged journalists and stakeholders to actively participate in the discussions, emphasizing that a thriving blue economy could position Rivers State as a leading economic hub.
“By focusing on the blue economy, we are not only looking at maritime trade but also fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, and marine biotechnology. These sectors can significantly boost employment and revenue generation for the state,” he added.
The Chapel also called for peace and an end to political hostilities in Rivers State, stressing that a stable environment was necessary for economic progress.
“We encourage well-meaning individuals to support and join us in this important discourse,” said Ignatius Chukwu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
