Stakeholders in Bayelsa State have identified the critical role of women in the development of Marine and Blue Economy.
Consequently, the Government of Bayelsa State has reiterated its commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to advance an inclusive blue economy that creates opportunities for women, coastal communities, and other participants across the maritime value chain.
The assurance was the focal point of discussions during a courtesy visit by the leadership of African Women in Maritime – WIMAfrica, Nigeria Chapter, to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Yenagoa.
Receiving the delegation in her office, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mrs. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, said the Ministry is open to strategic collaboration with organisations whose work supports sustainable maritime development.
She explained that the concept of an inclusive blue economy goes beyond the exploitation of ocean and marine resources.
Rather, it seeks to ensure that the benefits of maritime development are widely shared through gender balance, community participation, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods for people living in coastal and riverine communities.
According to the Commissioner, social sustainability is key to the Ministry’s policy direction.
This approach, according to the Commissioner recognizes the vital role women already play in fisheries, fish processing, marine trade, and other ocean-based economic activities, while also creating pathways for their greater participation and leadership within the sector.
Dr. Zibs-Godwin stressed that the Ministry’s approach is in-line with the Assured Prosperity Agenda of the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, which prioritises people-centred development, institutional strengthening, and sustainable economic opportunities for the people of the state.
Speaking earlier, the President of WIMAfrica Nigeria, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, congratulated the Commissioner on her leadership and expressed the association’s interest in building a strong collaboration with the Ministry.
She explained that WIMAfrica remains committed to promoting the participation of women in the maritime industry through advocacy, mentorship, professional development, and capacity building across the maritime value chain.
Mrs. Nwaeze added that the visit provided the opportunity for the association to formally introduce its new leadership team and to explore areas of collaboration with the Ministry in advancing gender inclusion and sustainable development in the maritime sector.
A major highlight of the visit was the formal induction of Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin into the WIMAfrica Fellowship, in recognition of her leadership and her commitment to expanding opportunities for women within the maritime and blue economy space.
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