Bayelsa Monarch Urges FG, States To Unlock Niger Delta’s Blue Economy
The Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha, has called on the Federal and State Governments to partner with development organisations to harness the vast potential of the blue economy for the benefit of communities across the Niger Delta.
The Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area ofBayelsa State, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha, has called on the Federal and State Governments to partner with development organisations to harness the vast potential of the blue economy for the benefit of communities across theNiger Delta. Chief Egba-Dienegha made the call on Thursday during a sensitisation programme themed “Empowering Women through Blue Economy: Leadership, Sustainability and Economic Inclusion,” held in Okpoama, Brass. The event was organised by the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative (AMESI) in collaboration with Urgent Action Fund Africa. Represented by the Amayanabo of Isele-Ama, His Royal Highness Boute Levi Felagha, the monarch urged theFederal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economyto roll out practical policies and programmes that would create sustainable livelihoods for women and youths in coastal communities. Earlier, the Founder and President of the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative, Dr Felicia Mogo, who addressed participants virtually via Zoom, described the programme as part of efforts to strengthen women’s participation in the blue economy, with an initial focus on coastal communities in theNiger Delta. Dr Mogo commended the enthusiasm displayed by participants and encouraged them to form cooperative societies to enhance their access to opportunities and improve their economic well-being. She also pledged the organisation’s continued support towards improving their livelihoods. Delivering a presentation at the event, facilitator Tarinyo Akono stressed the need for sustainable management of marine resources, urging residents to protect the aquatic ecosystem while exploring the economic opportunities offered by the sea. He warned against harmful practices such as the use of chemicals and dynamite for fishing, as well as indiscriminate dumping of refuse into rivers, noting that such activities threaten marine biodiversity and the long-term viability of the blue economy. He also called on community leaders to provide designated waste disposal sites. Akono described Brass as one of Nigeria’s major fishing hubs and urged both the Federal and Bayelsa State Ministries of Marine and Blue Economy to prioritise investments and engage experts in developing programmes and projects that would unlock the area’s maritime potential. Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Women Leader of Okpoama Kingdom, Madam Obibinate Ikaye, and the Secretary of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Inko Tariworio, expressed appreciation to the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative for organising the sensitisation programme, describing it as timely and impactful. Please follow and like us: