The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has tasked the youth to leverage on opportunities locked in the blue economic sector of the country. The minister said the potential in the maritime sector would contribute immensely to the diversification initiatives of Mr. President, while also creating jobs for the youth.
Mr. Oyetola made the call recently in Lagos at a conference organised by the University of Lagos under the Employment Transition Programme tagged “Blue Industry Career Insights”.
He said, “The blue economy is not just about the sea, it is about the myriads of opportunities that lie within it. Our youth must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness these opportunities and drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.” Similarly, Mr. Oyetola urged the youths to focus on the untapped potential of Nigeria’s blue economy and the vital role young people can play in its development.
Hear him: “As you are all aware, the certificates that you would receive from this university at the end of your program are awarded to you based on character and learning.
“It is a character that opens the door to knowledge and keeps it open until you are done with your courses and a degree is awarded to you. I, therefore, urge you as youths to shun vices that could hinder your growth.”
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the event as history-making, designed to hone the career trajectory of the undergraduates.
Ogunsola said the maritime sector was the second largest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product. “Therefore, as an institution, our goal is to align with the government’s mission of diversifying the economy,” Ogunsola noted.
Earlier, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, stated that the agency was working at concluding the construction of the Institute of Maritime Studies’ building, which was almost at a 70 per cent completion stage.