Lagos, July 30, 2025 (NAN) The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has appealed to media professionals to use their voices to shape public understanding of ocean resources and influence policies for their sustainability.
“The oceans sustain life, livelihoods, and entire economies; yet, they are under increasing pressure from unsustainable practices and climate change, the Director-General of IMION, Rear Adm. Thaddeus Udofia, said in Lagos.
He spoke at an IMION Executive Course on the Blue Economy for Media Practitioners on Wednesday.
The event held at the Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA, Apapa.
Udofia said that the course would help to explore immense economic opportunities within ocean spaces and consider how the media could shape public understanding and influence policies about the ocean.
“The way the world perceives the ocean, its challenges, values, and future is largely influenced by how you, the media, choose to tell the story.
“This course is, therefore, designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully with critical topics and report ocean-related issues with accuracy and depth,” he said.
The admiral said that topics to be discussed would include marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, blue energy, and socio-economic dimensions of ocean governance.
The objectives of the course is to help participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the blue economy and explore critical sectors within the blue economy as well as their policy implications.
“Also, we will be examining international and national regulatory frameworks that shape ocean-related industries as well as best practices in environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.
“By the end of the course, participants are expected to clearly articulate the concept and significance of the blue economy and navigate the complex landscape of maritime industry,” he said.
Udofia said that the institute’s goal was to provide media professionals with the knowledge and confidence to translate complex maritime issues into solution-oriented journalism.
“In doing so, we strengthen the link between public awareness, informed policy making, and sustainable maritime practices.
“I urge the participants to apply insights to enrich journalism with depth, accuracy, and impact,” the admiral said.
The President of Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, said that the training would foster a stronger bond between the media and key maritime stakeholders, particularly the Nigerian Navy.
“Members of the journalism community extend their heartfelt appreciation to IMION for the capacity-building initiative.
“We believe that sustained collaboration between the media and the navy is vital in promoting transparency, national security, and development of Nigeria’s economy,” Bivbere said. (NAN)
