Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha, has called on all levels of government to prioritise the development of the blue economy across the Niger Delta.
He urged the Federal, state and local governments to collaborate with development organisations to unlock the region’s multi-billion-naira blue economy potential and create sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Chief Egba-Dienegha made the call during a sensitisation programme titled Empowering Women through Blue Economy: Leadership, Sustainability and Economic Inclusion held in Okpoama, Bayelsa State.
The programme was organised by the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative in partnership with Urgent Action Fund Africa.
Represented by the Amayanabo of Isele-Ama, His Royal Highness Boute Levi Felagha, the monarch appealed to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to implement policies that empower women and young people through sustainable blue economy initiatives.
He said such policies would create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods in coastal communities.
The Founder and President of the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative, Dr Felicia Mogo, addressed participants virtually via Zoom.
She described the programme as an intervention designed to strengthen women’s participation in the blue economy, beginning with coastal communities across the Niger Delta.
Dr Mogo commended the participants for their enthusiasm and encouraged them to form cooperatives to improve access to economic opportunities and enhance their livelihoods.
She also pledged the organisation’s continued support to help women maximise the benefits of the blue economy.
Facilitator Tarinyo Akono urged participants to protect the marine ecosystem while making responsible use of the sea’s abundant resources.
He warned against the use of chemicals and dynamite for fishing, as well as indiscriminate waste disposal in rivers, saying such practices pose serious threats to environmental sustainability.
Akono also called on community leaders to provide designated waste disposal sites to protect waterways and preserve aquatic resources.
Describing Brass as one of Nigeria’s major fishing hubs, he said the area deserved greater attention from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Bayelsa State ministry responsible for the sector.
According to him, experts should be engaged to design programmes and projects capable of expanding the blue economy and improving livelihoods in coastal communities.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Women Leader of Okpoama Kingdom, Madam Obibinate Ikaye, and the Secretary of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Inko Tariworio, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the sensitisation programme and its focus on empowering women through sustainable economic opportunities.
