The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Bayelsa State, Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, has received a prestigious award from the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU).
The award, tagged the Service and Leadership Award, was conferred on her by the Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University.
The presentation took place during the Faculty’s 2nd Biennial International Conference held on February 23, 2026, at the ASUU Secretariat Complex of the University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma.
The conference, themed “Scientific Research Beyond the Classroom and Laboratory: Key to Personal Development and Societal Relevance,” focused on translating research outputs into practical solutions capable of driving sustainable development.
In her brief acceptance speech, Dr. Zibs-Godwin described the award as a call to greater service and pledged her continued commitment to advancing science-driven policies that will strengthen marine resource management and stimulate economic growth in the state.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to reposition the blue economy as a strategic pillar for Bayelsa’s development.
Dr. Zibs-Godwin also highlighted key milestones recorded by the Ministry, including the development of a Blue Economy Policy Framework, strategic marine resource management initiatives, and sustained stakeholder collaborations aimed at unlocking the vast aquatic potential of the state.
She charged the management of the University to align its research efforts with real-life environmental and maritime challenges, stressing that sustained collaboration between academia and government is essential for building a competitive and sustainable blue economy in Bayelsa State.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Allen A. Agih, reiterated the institution’s commitment to impactful research that responds to societal needs.
He emphasised the need for scientific inquiry to move beyond the classroom into innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy engagement.
The conference continues with technical sessions designed to deepen the nexus between science and governance—an objective closely aligned with the Ministry’s vision of translating research into measurable blue economy development outcomes in the state.
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