By Nkechi Eze
The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has successfully concluded a one-day Executive Course on the Blue Economy for media practitioners. The workshop, held on July 30, 2025, at the IMION Auditorium in Apapa, Lagos, brought together key players in maritime reporting and naval stakeholders in an effort to deepen journalistic understanding of Nigeria’s maritime sector and its growing economic significance.
In his address to participants, the Director General of IMION, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (rtd), urged journalists to put the lessons learned into meaningful practice. He emphasized the importance of returning to the drawing board to better articulate the concept and value of the Blue Economy, navigate the intricacies of maritime regulation, and apply their insights to produce more impactful, accurate, and solution-driven journalism.
“The Blue Economy is central to Nigeria’s sustainable development,” Rear Admiral Udofia said. “Media professionals must now champion this narrative with clarity, depth, and purpose, ensuring that the public and policymakers are properly informed about maritime issues.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Admiralty Medal, for his continued support to IMION, noting that it was through this backing that the Executive Course was made possible.
The workshop featured high-level presentations by experts in the maritime and naval sectors, including retired Rear Admiral FD Akpan and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs. Funke Agbor, both of whom brought diverse perspectives on maritime governance, policy, and economic opportunities. Their presentations were followed by syndicate discussions and interactive sessions, giving participants the chance to share professional experiences and raise critical questions about reporting challenges in the sector.
A highlight of the course was a guided tour of Nigerian Navy Ship UNITY, where participants were given firsthand exposure to naval operations, protocols, and routine life aboard a naval vessel. This practical session added context to the theoretical discussions and gave journalists a deeper appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy in maritime security and nation-building.
The workshop drew participants from the Nigerian Navy and a cross-section of media professionals actively covering maritime and naval affairs. It was designed to build their capacity to translate complex maritime and Blue Economy themes into compelling, responsible journalism that enhances public understanding and drives sustainable policy decisions.
