Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Energy and Maritime Reporters’ Corps has lauded the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency over its blue economy initiative, describing it as a welcome development.
The Chairman of Energy and Maritime Reporters’ arm of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Mr Martins Giadom, said there was need to pay attention to the ocean so as to reap its wealth, regretting that the ocean was constantly being threatened by the actions of man.
Giadom who spoke recently at the 2022 World Ocean Day organized by the EMR in Port Harcourt, said event was imperative to set agenda concerning the ocean, especially as it concerns the blue economy initiative of NIMASA.
He said Port Harcourt was not only the centre of the Gulf of Guinea but that of Nigeria’s share of the Atlantic Ocean, which covers 835km of coastal line from Lagos through Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
“We at EMR believe the world is right to pay attention to whatever covers 71percent of the surface of the earth, the oceans. The Niger Delta, thus has a huge stake in what happens to the Atlantic Ocean which covers a large percentage of space in most Niger Delta states.
“The Ocean also has wealth to offer, as experts have revealed, but it appears our people are only getting the negative aspects.
“We welcome the blue economy initiative of the Federal Government through NIMASA. This is why the EMR is out to lead in the deliberation and agenda-setting duties concerning the Ocean.”
Also speaking at the event, the guest of honour and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Pastor James Enebeli commended EMR for marking the world Ocean Day in Port Harcourt, as it was the most commendable way of raising more awareness on ocean literacy.
Enebeli, represented by the Head, Natural Resources Department, Engr Prince Isobo George, disclosed plans to partner with the EMR, especially in contributing to the Ministry’s journal.
Follow us on twitter
