Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has reiterated Federal Government’s commitment towards strengthening blue governance and transforming port operations with targeted initiatives which would enhance job creation and engender a robust foundation for the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
The Minister made this known at the University of Lagos where he delivered a keynote address at the Maiden Education to Employment Transition Programme (EETP) organized by UNILAG in partnership with the Employment Clinic.
The event which was held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall of the University saw Alh. Oyetola challenging students of UNILAG and by extension, the generality of Nigerian youths, to explore opportunities in the Marine and Blue Economy sector, as well as pursue their passions and contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Tagged Blue Career Insights, the event was graced by key stakeholders from the Marine and Blue Economy sector. It afforded the Minister and immediate past Governor of Osun State the opportunity to highlight the prospects which his ministry holds for the teeming youths. He also acknowledged UNILAG’s potentials in the blue economy, given its lagoon front location and proximity to the coastal environment.
While assuring of President Bola Tinubu’s resolute commitment towards developing the Blue Economy especially for job creation, the 1978 UNILAG Alumnus took the gathering through career opportunities in the Marine and Blue Economy. These includes: Shipping and Ship Building, Ports and Related Services, Maritime Professional Services, Subsea Operations, Ecosystem Services, Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture, Coastal Tourism, Marine Renewable Energy among others.
He announced federal government’s deliberate investments in training initiatives, exchange programmes, partnerships, internships and scholarships as platforms to build students’ capacity as well as expose them to career opportunities in the Marine and Blue Economy.
Alhaji Oyetola charged students of UNILAG to build character, shun vices that could hinder their growth as well as embrace hard work, discipline, decency and other values that would make them responsible members of society.
Earlier in her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos and host of the event, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, identified the Education to Employment Transition Programme (EETP) as part of intentional and strategic efforts aimed at improving employability and entrepreneurship through partnerships and collaborations.
She identified the maritime sector as the second largest contributor to Nigeria’s GDP and one of the largest employers of labour, hence the need to expose students to the career prospects in the sector.
Prof. Ogunsola assured stakeholders in the Marine and Blue Economy sector of UNILAG’s continued readiness to support the national agenda in grooming manpower for that sector.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and UNILAG Alumnus, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office. During the visit, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola acknowledged and applauded successive managements for the University’s remarkable and landmark achievements.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photography: Bayo Salau & Islamiat Akanni
