All is now set for the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit scheduled to hold from the 9th-11th of February.
In a press statement released by the organising committee of the summit, the Co-convener Dr Uche Igwe expressed satisfaction at what the summit is set to achieve. It is the gathering of stakeholders to chart a new course of sustainable prosperity in the Niger Delta by utilizing our enormous blue economy opportunities.
The summit will go beyond a dialogue to bring up context specific solutions that will ensure critical players like our coastal communities are carried along"
Commenting further Dr. Igwe confirmed that the key note speaker at the event, Former Prime Minister of Tunisia, His Excellency Mehdi Jomaa will be arriving Nigeria in the coming days to be part of the summit. According to him, HE Jomaa is keen to share the experience of his country that lies on the Mediterranean coastline in converting blue economy potentials to economic opportunities. He further stated that the summit will deliberately collaborate with government agencies and institutions in putting together a coordination framework through the Niger Delta Blue Economy Masterplan and leveraging blue financing opportunities to ensure that resources are moblised.
"We are looking at a ten year plan in the first instance. We will create at least 100,000 direct and indirect jobs per annum through multiple sectors. We will leverage ongoing blue financing possibilities by matching the best ideas with resources to implement. We will work with regional organizations like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), South-South Development Commission (SSDC), all state governments and organised private sector sector platforms"
State governors from all the Niger Delta states as well as Chief Executives of government institutions in the Niger Delta are expected to grace the summit.
Emmanuel Ukpong, member of the organising committee commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Pastor Umo Eno for his courageous initiatives in the blue economy sector especially the Ibom deep seaport in Ibaka. He affirmed that such initiatives will create jobs and economic opportunities for Akwa Ibom people. According to him, the summit happening in the state will serve as a platform to showcase to the world the investment friendly environment created by the go ernor in the state.Other senior blue economy experts from the United Kingdom and South Africa have confirmed attendance to the summit.