The Ondo State Government has unveiled a comprehensive Blue Economy Agenda aimed at unlocking marine and aquatic resources for sustainable development. This was disclosed at the 2025 Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) Summit, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.
Declaring the summit open, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, described the theme “Harnessing the Blue Economy for Sustainable Development in Ondo State” as a clarion call to rethink and reengineer the state’s economic future.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the blue economy a strategic pillar of the “OUR EASE” agenda, with initiatives including:
Development of a Blue Economy Master Plan as a strategic roadmap for investment and ecological stewardship.
Promotion of eco-friendly fishing, erosion control and biodiversity conservation.
Adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to attract investors in aquaculture, renewable ocean energy, and marine trade.
Human capital development through OSOPADEC and other agencies to empower youths in fisheries, ocean-tech, and related fields.
According to him, the initiative is designed to create over 10,000 jobs, boost the state’s GDP, and build a resilient economy anchored on sustainability. He also pledged community-based campaigns against waterway pollution, reaffirmed his administration’s Zero Waste Philosophy, and called for a collective commitment to protect blue resources for future generations.
Delivering his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, said the summit was a gathering of “thought leaders and innovators” determined to unlock the state’s vast aquatic potential. He noted that Ondo State’s 75-kilometre Atlantic coastline and expansive inland waterways offer opportunities for job creation, food security and economic diversification.
Commending the governor’s leadership, Dr. Loko stressed that the blue economy holds the key to inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, represented by Miss Leah Akinfiresoye, described the blue economy as a paradigm shift that balances growth with environmental stewardship. He highlighted opportunities in sustainable fishing, marine energy, tourism and maritime transportation, stressing that empowering youths—who make up over 70% of Nigeria’s population—is central to sustainable progress.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the State Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Mrs. Bola Akinyanmi, who called for strong institutions to drive sustainability, and by Mr. Ahmed Tiamiyu of Community Action Against Plastic Waste, who urged the state to generate accurate data, strengthen policies, and pursue green job creation.
The technical session featured paper presentations and discussions, including:
Dr. Olusegun Dada of FUTA – Harnessing the Blue Economy for Sustainable Development in Ondo State.
Mr. Idowu Oluwadare (IPAN) – Plastic Pollution in Oceans.
Prof. Victor Olumekun (AAUA) – Innovative Technology for a Sustainable Blue Economy.
Dr. (Mrs.) Olujumoke Ogunrayi (University of Cape Town) – Climate Change and the Blue Economy.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a communiqué outlining key strategies for harnessing Ondo State’s blue resources responsibly and sustainably.
