On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, National President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), has encouraged young women to consider the vast opportunities within the marine and blue economy, presenting a chance to tap into the lucrative $1.5 trillion sector.
Usoro conveyed this advice during the opening of the 4th nationwide virtual Marine and Blue Economy Quiz competition on Wednesday, organised by the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation as part of the International Day of the Girl Child celebrations.
Emphasising the immense potential in the marine and blue economy, Usoro highlighted the availability of three million jobs globally within the sector, particularly in various domains that young females can explore. She underscored opportunities in fishing, coastal tourism, renewable energy utilising sea turbines, water desalination, and the exploration of marine genetic resources for medical purposes. As she stated, “There are opportunities for fishing, coastal tourism with our beaches that should be attractive and clean, renewable energy like having turbines in the sea, using the constant wave flow.”
Usoro stressed the importance of responsible conservation practices to harness the full benefits of the $1.5 trillion sector. She advocated for a reduction in plastic consumption and proper waste disposal to ensure a cleaner ocean, noting, “We need to reduce our plastic intake or more still, recycle and dispose of them appropriately when need be.”
Commending the government for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Usoro urged further initiatives to expose people to the sector’s advantages. She called for a coordinated approach among ministries linked to the blue economy to prevent duplication and ensure effective implementation of objectives, expressing, “The ministry should organise itself to accomplish its objectives… I encourage the young ladies whose interest has been triggered by the quiz and wish them the best of luck.”
In her comments, Mrs. Violet Williams, President of the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), outlined the objectives of the quiz competition. She highlighted its role in promoting nationwide awareness of young people’s inclusive participation in the maritime sector, providing insights into career opportunities, and facilitating adaptation to digital learning through e-learning platforms. Williams emphasised that the competition could open doors to the three million job opportunities within the sector, urging students to seize this opportunity for a better future. As she stated, “Many persons have benefited from the platform, urging the students to tap into it for a better future and be among those included in the three-million job offer from the sector.”
