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 on Tuesday.
Receiving the delegation in her office, the Honourable 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 a key pillar of the Ministry’s policy direction. This approach, she noted, recognizes the vital roles 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 further noted that the Ministry’s approach is in consonance 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.
Earlier in her remarks, the President of WIMAfrica Nigeria, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, congratulated the Commissioner on her leadership and expressed the association’s interest in building a strong partnership 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 an 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 naming of Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin as an Ambassador of WIMAfrica, in recognition of her leadership and her commitment to expanding opportunities for women within the maritime and blue economy space.
Source : Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Bayelsa State Nigeria
