As part of efforts to diversify Rivers State’s economy beyond oil and gas, stakeholders have called on the state government to fully harness opportunities within the blue economy sector.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Correspondents Week in Port Harcourt, Dean of the School of Eloquence and Founder of the Blue Economy Academy Ubong Essien emphasized the state’s untapped potential in marine and aquatic resources.
Essien, who was represented by the South-South Bureau Chief of BusinessDay Newspaper, Ignatius Chukwu, expressed concern that despite Rivers’ vast marine wealth, the state has yet to develop a comprehensive strategy to unlock its blue economy potential.
“If you live on the shoreline, the shoreline is your story. This state is not coincidentally called Rivers. Your geography has given you a gift and a mandate. But what are you doing with it? You can’t live next to the Atlantic and remain indifferent to it.”
He advocated for a shift in perception about riverine communities, stressing that they should not be viewed as disadvantaged but as strategic economic zones that deserve targeted investment and development. Essien urged the government to adopt a five-point blueprint for blue economy development:
“State-wide Ocean Literacy and Policy, Develop a clear roadmap with ocean education integrated from basic school levels and public awareness campaigns.
“Blue-Friendly Infrastructure Support infrastructure such as upgraded access roads, waterfronts, and fish landing sites. “Coastal Community Empowerment: Engage and uplift fisherfolk, riverine dwellers, and youth in blue economy activities.
“Youth Upskilling & Blue Entrepreneurship promote training in marine technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy. Media-Led Public Enlightenment: Use journalism and storytelling to build public awareness and support.”
He also proposed a strategic partnership with the media, suggesting the creation of a Blue Economy Media Forum in collaboration with the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State.
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“This is not just a keynote, it could be a roundtable or boot camp — the format doesn’t matter. What matters is that we connect, inform, and ignite action. Let the Correspondents’ Chapel become the lighthouse guiding Nigeria’s blue transformation.”
Essien highlighted the need to improve the welfare of journalists, describing them as “nation builders who are undervalued, underpaid, and overworked.”
He added that the blue economy offers new storytelling opportunities and specialized beats that could enhance journalists’ economic prospects.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ Rivers State, Comrade Ameachi Okonkwo, called for the repositioning of Rivers as a maritime hub through the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods while preserving the marine ecosystem.
“Rivers State has as much potential in ocean resources as in oil and gas. With fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport contributing significantly to GDP, unlocking this potential will require infrastructure development, effective governance, and stakeholder collaboration,” Okonkwo said.
Also speaking, State Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Paul Bazia, commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration for initiating key infrastructure projects, including the Trans-Kalabari and Oyorokoto roads, which he said are vital to boosting tourism and fisheries in the state.
