Mr Ubong Essien, Special Assistant on Media and Strategy to Director-General (DG) of Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh |
According to NIMASA, most Nigerians are sea-blind, meaning a
people surrounded by waters, but who do not appreciate the volume of
opportunities beckoning on them for exploitation in the resource.
Mr Ubong Essien, Special Assistant on Media and Strategy to
Director-General (DG) of Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Bashir
Jamoh, threw the challenge while making a remark at the dinner as part of
activities marking 2021 annual Correspondents’ Chapel Week of Rivers NUJ in
Port Harcourt.
He stated most Nigerians are sea-blind, which implies a
people surrounded by waters but do not appreciate the volume of opportunities
beckoning on them for exploitation in the water resource.
He described the theme of the week which is; “Survival of
Journalists in Security and Economic Uncertainties in Nigeria; Focus on
Strategic Reporting of the Maritime Sector”as apt and revealing.
Essien pointed out that the responsibility of journalists
practicing in the littoral states like Rivers that is key Maritime in location,
to inform and educate the people about the vast investment potentials.
He said people should take keen interest in the waters,
Rivers,Creeks, Mangroves and Seas.
“As media men, show more interest in this aspect of
reporting. Study what it takes to be close to the ocean; know more about
shipping, fishing, water tourism, etc.Rethink your understanding of everything
about the Maritime. Remember that Oil and Gas is becoming non-sustainable”.
Essien stated further that because of the futuristic
realization that the waters will replace oil and gas,even land-locked countries
areas are joining maritime organizations.
He said “It is quite heartwarming that the Rivers State
Government has expressed in tapping into the vast potentials in the vast waters
among the Littoral States.
“It is quite important that the environment surrounding land
is water; what is surrounding you is water. Take a second look and
think.Consider all the possibilities in water economy.”
He assured that under the Deep Blue Sea policy of management
of NIMASA, the agency is well positioned to take the lead in opening up
sea-going activities for the people of Littoral States.
Those present at the dinner include: Paulinus Nsirim, the
Commissioner for Information and Communications and Ernest Chinwo, Rivers State
Newspaper Corporation and immediate past Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel and
Senior Journalists from various media houses in the State.