13th December, 2021
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has urged journalists to liberate Nigerians from sea blindness by bring to the fore the vast investment opportunities in the maritime industry, especially in face of dwindling value of fossil fuel and its environmental hazards to the littoral states.
According to NIMASA, most Nigerians are sea-blind, meaning a people surrounded by waters, but who do not appreciate the volume of opportunities beckoning on them for exploitation in the resource.
Mr Ubong Essien, Special Assistant on Media and Strategy to Director-General (DG) of Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, threw the challenge while making a remark at the dinner as part of activities marking 2021 annual Correspondents’ Chapel Week of Rivers NUJ in Port Harcourt.
He stated most Nigerians are sea-blind, which implies a people surrounded by waters but do not appreciate the volume of opportunities beckoning on them for exploitation in the water resource.
He described the theme of the week which is; “Survival of Journalists in Security and Economic Uncertainties in Nigeria; Focus on Strategic Reporting of the Maritime Sector”as apt and revealing.
Essien pointed out that the responsibility of journalists practicing in the littoral states like Rivers that is key Maritime in location, to inform and educate the people about the vast investment potentials.
He said people should take keen interest in the waters, Rivers,Creeks, Mangroves and Seas.
“As media men, show more interest in this aspect of reporting. Study what it takes to be close to the ocean; know more about shipping, fishing, water tourism, etc.Rethink your understanding of everything about the Maritime. Remember that Oil and Gas is becoming non-sustainable”.
Essien stated further that because of the futuristic realization that the waters will replace oil and gas,even land-locked countries areas are joining maritime organizations.
He said “It is quite heartwarming that the Rivers State Government has expressed in tapping into the vast potentials in the vast waters among the Littoral States.
“It is quite important that the environment surrounding land is water; what is surrounding you is water. Take a second look and think.Consider all the possibilities in water economy.”
He assured that under the Deep Blue Sea policy of management of NIMASA, the agency is well positioned to take the lead in opening up sea-going activities for the people of Littoral States.
Those present at the dinner include: Paulinus Nsirim, the Commissioner for Information and Communications and Ernest Chinwo, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation and immediate past Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel and Senior Journalists from various media houses in the State.