As part of efforts to encourage young people to explore opportunities in the marine and blue economy sector, philanthropist and Abia-born author of the book Blue Economy: A Gateway to a Sustainable Future, Dr. Chika Ethel-Chukwudi, has embarked on an awareness campaign across schools in Abia State.
Speaking during visits to schools in Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas, including Ibeku High School Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, School Road Primary School (Smart School), Urban School, Nkwuegwu Secondary School, Umukabia Central School, Ohokobe Umuohu Primary School, Okwu Community Primary School, Olokoro, and Trinity Primary and Secondary School, Dr. Chukwudi stressed the enormous untapped potential of the blue economy in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
She explained that the sensitisation programme was designed to introduce students and pupils to the concept of the blue economy and encourage them to consider careers in the sector. According to her, creating awareness among young people is essential if Nigeria is to fully harness the abundant resources available in its marine environment, as is the case in many developed countries.
Dr. Chukwudi noted that the blue economy encompasses various sectors, including maritime transportation, fisheries, marine biotechnology, tourism, renewable energy, and ocean conservation, all of which have the potential to contribute significantly to national development.
As part of the outreach programme, she distributed free copies of her book on the blue economy to students, pupils, and teachers, emphasizing that knowledge and awareness are critical to unlocking the opportunities available in the sector.
The Head of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) also commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to the development of Abia State. She noted that the administration’s efforts toward the establishment of a seaport in the state demonstrate a strategic vision aimed at expanding economic opportunities and placing Abia on a higher developmental pedestal.
Dr. Chukwudi explained that oceans cover about 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and support the livelihoods of approximately three billion people worldwide. She added that the Federal Government’s creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 underscores the growing recognition of the sector’s importance to national economic growth and sustainability.
Responding, some of the school administrators, including the Principal of Nkwuegwu Secondary School, Mrs. Grace Otta; the Head Teacher of School Road Primary School (Smart School), Mrs. Stella Iheanacho; the Principal of Ibeku High School Junior, Lady Ada O. Ocho; and the Principal of Ibeku High School Senior, Elder Ekeledimgba, among others, expressed appreciation to Dr. Chukwudi for the educational initiative.
They described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that it had exposed students to emerging career opportunities while broadening their understanding of the role of the marine and blue economy in national development.
