By Isaiah Eka
The Akwa Ibom Government has urged journalists in the state to acquire skills and knowledge that will enable them to tap into the emerging opportunities in the maritime sector.
Mr Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, made the call at a workshop to prepare journalists and other stakeholders for the take-off of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
Ememobong said that the workshop was organised by the state government to prepare stakeholders to understand their roles in the project.
He said that Gov. Umo Eno was diligently working to bring the project to reality, saying,” the workshop is to position and prepare ourselves to be active players in the maritime sector”
The commissioner said that when on stream, the deep seaport would accelerate the socio-economic development of the state.
“Currently, Lagos and Rivers States are the players in the maritime sector because of their seaports. Akwa Ibom is set to join this league with the construction of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
“While the state government is working this out, we should have a pool of highly skilled manpower for employment at the port and the industries that will be set up,” he said.
Ememobong further said that the workshop was to enable stakeholders to gain deeper insights into the maritime and blue economy sector.
“We need to assess the lucrative nature and viability of this sector, and see how we can be a part of this industry. Success only happens when opportunity meets with preparation,” he said.
Dr Aniefiok Oton, the President Brightflow Conglomerate, said that the maritime sector held immense potential, that would surpass that of oil if harnessed properly.
Oton said that the maritime industry was a vital component of the global trade, with shipping playing a critical role in the movement of people, goods and services across international borders.
“Harnessing the economic potentials in the maritime industry involves leveraging its diverse facets such as blue economy initiatives, infrastructure development and sustainable practices.
“There is need to also maximise the benefits of maritime transport, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and renewable energy,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop is: “Harnessing the Economic Potentials of Blue Economy Value Chain in Akwa Ibom for Productivity and Sustainable Growth”. NAN
