Bayelsa To Invest In Seafaring ,Deep Offshore Operations For Marine &Blue Economy Growth

By Roland Ekama

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The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has indicated interest to transform the emerging Marine and Blue Economy Ministry through youth empowerment in seafaring and deep offshore operations .

Diri who won the outstanding Performance Governor of the Year 2024 Award, in the category of Marine and Blue Economy, recently , described the new ministry as an initiative that is potentially transformative.

Senator Diri, who was represented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, accompanied by Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Bayelsa State, said his administration will harness the State’s marine resources wisely, ensuring that the waters remain vibrant and teeming with life, supporting both livelihoods and biodiversity

H stated that “Our goal is to equip them with the skills needed to thrive in these emerging sectors, transforming them from job seekers into job creators.

“We are also deliberately preparing our young men and women with the skills set to participate as seafarers and deep offshore oil and gas personnel in the Nigerian and global deep offshore oil and gas industry. This initiative is potentially transformative, and we have seen it succeed elsewhere”, he stated.

The award was presented to him by the Nigeria Today Magazine, a global publication for the promotion of good governance and selfless service to humanity, on Wednesday at the Shehu Musa Yara’dua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.

In his remark, Senator Diri said he was deeply honoured to receive the award on behalf of the people and government of Bayelsa State, noting that it is gratifying to see his administration’s pioneering efforts in the marine sector being acknowledged.

The Governor thanked organizers of the event and acknowledged that the honour will serve as a motivation to deepen his administration’s resolve and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Bayelsa State.

He pledged to continue in the quest to realise the full potential of the Blue Economy in the State while embracing innovative practices in fishing, aquaculture, and marine tourism, alongside investing in education and capacity-building for the youths.