Massive Job Creation Through Ondo State’s Blue Economy Agenda

The Ondo State Government has launched a comprehensive Blue Economy Agenda, aiming to unlock marine and aquatic resources for sustainable development and job creation.

This initiative was unveiled at the 2025 Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) Summit.

The agenda targets creating over 10,000 jobs, boosting Ondo State’s GDP, and building a resilient and inclusive economy.

The blue economy initiative seeks to diversify the state’s economy, enhance food security, and support environmental protection.

The government also plans to empower youths through formal and informal training in marine-related disciplines, engineering, fisheries management, and ocean-tech innovations.

The Ondo State Government’s Blue Economy Agenda has the potential to transform the state’s economic future, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability.

This was disclosed at the 2025 Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) Summit.

Declaring the summit open, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, described the theme “Harnessing the Blue Economy for Sustainable Development in Ondo State” as a clarion call to rethink and reengineer the state’s economic future.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the blue economy a strategic pillar of the “OUR EASE” agenda, with initiatives including:

According to him, the initiative is designed to create over 10,000 jobs, boost the state’s GDP, and build a resilient economy anchored on sustainability. He also pledged community-based campaigns against waterway pollution, reaffirmed his administration’s Zero Waste Philosophy, and called for a collective commitment to protect blue resources for future generations.

Delivering his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, said the summit was a gathering of “thought leaders and innovators” determined to unlock the state’s vast aquatic potential. He noted that Ondo State’s 75-kilometre Atlantic coastline and expansive inland waterways offer opportunities for job creation, food security and economic diversification.

Commending the governor’s leadership, Dr. Loko stressed that the blue economy holds the key to inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, represented by Miss Leah Akinfiresoye, described the blue economy as a paradigm shift that balances growth with environmental stewardship. He highlighted opportunities in sustainable fishing, marine energy, tourism and maritime transportation, stressing that empowering youths—who make up over 70% of Nigeria’s population—is central to sustainable progress.