High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha, the Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom, Brass Local Government Area,, has urged governments to prioritise blue economy development across the Niger Delta.
He called on the Federal, state and local governments to partner development organisations to unlock the region’s multibillion-naira blue economy potential for sustainable livelihoods.
Chief Egba-Dienegha spoke during a sensitisation programme titled Empowering Women through Blue Economy: Leadership, Sustainability and Economic Inclusion in Okpoama, Bayelsa State.
The programme was organised by the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative and Urgent Action Fund Africa.
Represented by the Amayanabo of Isele-Ama, His Royal Highness Boute Levi Felagha, the monarch urged the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to implement policies supporting women and youths.
He said such policies should create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods in coastal communities through sustainable blue economy initiatives.
Founder and President of the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative, Dr. Felicia Mogo, addressed participants virtually through Zoom.
She described the programme as an intervention aimed at strengthening women’s participation in the blue economy, beginning with coastal communities across the Niger Delta.
Dr. Mogo commended the participants’ enthusiasm and encouraged them to establish cooperatives to improve access to opportunities and boost their livelihoods.
She pledged continued support to help women maximise the economic benefits of the blue economy.
Facilitator Tarinyo Akono urged participants to protect the marine ecosystem while responsibly harnessing the sea’s abundant resources.
He warned against using chemicals, dynamite and indiscriminate waste disposal in rivers, saying such practices threaten environmental sustainability.
Akono also urged community leaders to provide designated waste disposal sites to protect waterways and aquatic resources.
He described Brass as a major fishing hub deserving greater attention from the Federal and Bayelsa ministries responsible for marine and blue economy development.
According to him, experts should be engaged to design programmes and projects capable of expanding the sector and improving local livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of participants, Okpoama Kingdom Women Leader, Madam Obibinate Ikaye, and CDC Secretary, Inko Tariworio, appreciated the organisers for the sensitisation programme.