Gwamcee News
Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged students to explore career paths in the marine and blue economy sector.
Oyetola made this call on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at the Unilag Employment Clinic Education Employment Transition Programme.
The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening blue governance, transforming port operations, and creating jobs, providing a solid foundation for Nigeria’s blue economy growth. He encouraged youths to pursue their passions and contribute to the sector’s development.
Minister Oyetola also stressed the importance of character, highlighting that it opens the door to knowledge and is essential for success. He advised students to embrace hard work, discipline, decency, and selflessness, becoming responsible members of society and good ambassadors of the university and Nigeria.
Also, the minister emphasised the bright future ahead for youths in the maritime industry and the importance of driving the success of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
He said: “The blue economy sector, holds immense benefits for the teeming youths of our dear country as it provides opportunities for innovation, sustainable growth, and rewarding careers. Notably, the University of Lagos is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the potential of the blue economy, given its lagoon front location and close proximity to the coastal environment, making it inclined from inception to the blue economy. The economic potential of our blue economy is enormous and astounding.”
Founder of Employment Clinic and CEO, Maritime Innovations Hub, Princess Ronke Kosoko added that a lack of awareness, knowledge and mentorship is one of the major reasons why many Nigerian youths are unemployed, a gap she has been bridging through her organisation over the last fifteen years.
She encouraged youths to be focused, explore and take up jobs offers that will build them up even if it’s means offering free services while sharing her experience of how she got to where she is today.
Managing director, Truck Transit Park, Jama Onwubuariri at the event while pointing out the way to success urged students to identify their passion, create time for whatever they have identified as their passion, minimize some distractions especially, with too many distracting apps, stay focused on what adds value, “Look for economic challenges around and how to solve it. Form a team and collaborate with like minds,” he said.
“Focus on what you came to school for because those are the things that shuns you from becoming an employer of labour. The blue and marine sector is not an invisible one. Students are to prepare themselves to get to the space,” he added.
