By David Owei,Bayelsa

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola says there is need to address several operational and policy gaps to fully harness the nation’s marine and coastal resources to achieve sustainable blue economy.

He stated this in Yenagoa at the opening of the first Annual International Conference and Trade Exhibition on Marine and Blue Economy organized by the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University, Amassoma.

The theme of the Conference is ‘Sustainable Blue Economy: Advancing Safety, Economic and Social Resilience in the Coastal ecosystem’.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola noted that globally, the Blue Economy is estimated at over $2.5 trillion annually, yet Africa contributes less than 5% with Nigeria’s share minimal due to insufficient strategies and sustainable frameworks.

The Minister who was represented the Director, Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology in the Ministry, Alhaji Hussaini Shettima expressed the readiness of the Federal government to change the situation by aligning policies and operations with international best practices while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

He said some of these challenges include tackling the infrastructure and technological deficits by upgrading ports, jetties and coastal facilities, improve maritime and security governance, address environmental degradation and fill the skills and human capacity gaps.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Zibs-Godwin whose message was delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olali Jonjon said the Conference comes at a defining moment as nations turn to Blue Economy for sustainable development, giving an assurance that the State government would accord priority to tapping the huge potential in the sector.

Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Professor Allen Agih in an address of welcome, emphasized the need to explore and tap the vast marine and ocean resources available to the country.

President of the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, COSSCCIMA, Mr. Indutimi Komonibo who chaired the occasion said the world and Africa were moving towards the Blue Economy and Nigeria could not afford to be left behind to deliver prosperity to citizens.

The event which had goodwill messages from NIMASA and the Nigerian Shippers Council also featured technical sessions, panel discussions. Drama and cultural display, free medical checks and unveiling of the Book ‘ Blue Hustle’ authored by Ambassador Fidelis Onu.

By David Owei, Yenagoa.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has flaunted Osun business opportunities and high scores on the ease of doing business rating, calling on genuine investors to establish business at the Osun Free Trade zone.

The governor made the appeal while hosting a delegation of multi-sectoral investors from China who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Osogbo on Thursday evening.

Governor Adeleke told the delegation that Osun is bridging infrastructural deficit to ease the business environment while the state’s Free Trade Zone has several openings for willing investors.

According to the governor, a number of investors have commenced activities at the Trade Zone and other industrial hubs across the state, commending the Chinese delegation for selecting Osun state as an investment destination.

“You are warmly welcome to the state of the living spring. We are fixing our roads, bridges, schools, utilities, health infrastructures among others. We know good infrastructure facilitates business and economic growth. Hence, we are reducing Osun infra deficit.

“We harmonise and automate our tax regime. This has reduced the pressure on Osun businesses. We implemented a 48 hours regime for acquisition of certificates of occupancy (CofO) under an automated regime. Our ease of doing business rating is very high.

“So you have come to the right place. Our Ministry of commerce and industry is run by a team with international exposure. You will be granted the best of support and facilitation services by our government“, the governor told the delegation.

Speaking on behalf of the management of Shanghai Fadewei International Trade Company Limited, Dr. Yusuf Fadairo said the Chinese team picked Osun state because of two reasons, namely their love for David Adeleke (Davido) and multiple reports of good governance delivered by the Osun State governor.

Fadairo stated that Davido is so popular in China than even Nigeria, a situation he said also facilitated interest of many Chinese in the Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

According to him, reports about the wonderful performance of Governor Adeleke across media platforms marked Osun out as a safe investment destination, assuring that the company is interested in securing up multiple factories at the Osun state free trade zone.

“We have inspected the zone and we are satisfied with the utilities and facilities. We are set to act once all other regulatory issues are concluded”, he noted.

Other members of the team include Mr. Zheng Lifa (Amusement park building and operation), Mr. Zhai Yikang (paint production), Mr. Yu Lu (paint production) , Mr. Yao Weide (electric tricycle), Prince Charles Ajiboye (Logistics Manager) and Mr. Bamigboye Olabode (Company Engineer) Shanghai Fadewei International Trade Company Limited.

The Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, broadcast entrepreneur, Femi Adefila and other top government functionaries witnessed the courtesy visit.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The People of Kalabari in Asari-Toru Local Government of Rivers State, have called on lovers of Culture and Tradition to find their way to the Community, as they celebrate their New Year Festival.

A statement on Monday by the 2025 new Year Festival Organizing Committee which was signed by the Publicity Person, Ibiba DonPedro, read that the celebration will be starting on 12th of November, 2025.

The statement maintained that the festival will be rounding off on the 16th of November, 2025.

The organizers stated that the celebration known as Heritage of the Old, Culture of New, will start with an Art Exhibition at Moriri Gallery of Contemporary Arts on the 12th of November, by 8am.

The committee stated that activity will be used to showcase Kalabari Culture in Colours, Art, Sculpture and Creativity, that will tell Kalabari’s story will be witnessed.

The statement continued that the Art Exhibition, will be followed by the main event which will take place on the 16th of November starting with a Boat Regather that wail terminate at Elem Kalabari the venue of the grand finale.

The committee also disclosed that the weeklong event will witness Royal Blessing which will be performed by the Amanyanabo of Kalabari and other Kings and Chiefs.

“There will also be Masquerade display, Dance, Boat regatta,
spectacle and Pageantry, Iria dance display among other activities.

“Also there will be Award giving to honour distinguished Kalabari Sons and Daughters, home coming, reconnecting with roots through sacred vows and unity, Painting, unveiling the Kalabari Blue Carbon Investment Initiative among others.

“There will also be Tree planting and a Communique.” The statement read.