The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has successfully concluded its five-day training program on “Innovative Strategies for Growing the Blue Economy,” held at the IMION Auditorium from December 2 to 6. The training brought together stakeholders, experts, and participants to explore strategies for sustainable growth within the blue economy, with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
In his closing remarks, the Director General of IMION, Rear Admiral TC Udofia (Rtd.), commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for his visionary leadership that led to the establishment of IMION. He described the training as a transformative journey of exploration and learning, aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to champion the sustainable utilization of marine resources.
The program delved into various critical aspects of the blue economy. Participants explored the importance of marine and coastal ecosystem services, recognizing their essential role in sustaining economic activities. Discussions also focused on the need for robust policy and governance frameworks, emphasizing the importance of effective regulations and cooperative action. Stakeholder engagement emerged as a recurring theme, highlighting the necessity of inclusive participation and shared responsibility for successful blue economy initiatives. Additionally, participants were exposed to real-world examples through case studies and best practices, providing tangible models for implementation.
Rear Admiral Udofia expressed optimism about the outcomes of the training, emphasizing its practical relevance. He highlighted that the sessions had gone beyond theoretical discussions, serving as a catalyst for actionable change in the maritime sector. The program, he noted, had equipped participants with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to drive sustainable growth within the blue economy.
He acknowledged the contributions of partners such as Paul Usoro & Co. and Multimix Academy, assuring them that the knowledge imparted during the training would serve as a foundation for developing innovative strategies. He also called on participants to sustain the momentum by translating the insights gained into actionable policies and projects that would benefit both current and future generations.
In his concluding remarks, Rear Admiral Udofia declared the training officially closed and extended warm wishes to all stakeholders and participants for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. The event underscored IMION’s commitment to fostering collaboration, building partnerships, and championing innovative solutions to unlock the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
