By: Femi-Adenyi Joshua 

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment for the development of the Blue Economy.

He emphasized the need for increased support and collaboration from all stakeholders to combat maritime crimes and promote sustainable use of ocean resources.

Speaking at the University of Ibadan’s Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, on the 30th of August, 2024, Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted the Navy’s efforts in combating piracy, oil theft, smuggling, and illegal fishing.

He also identified challenges such as non-diligent prosecution of maritime crimes and limited community support.

He said the Navy had embarked on anti-piracy and sea robbery operations, anti-oil theft operations, anti-smuggling operations, anti-illegal, unreported, unregulated and fishing operations, regional cooperation and enhanced hydrographic operations.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, in a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale asserted that the IPSS Personality Lecture Series is an uncommon public platform to discuss contemporary national issues related to defence, national security, sustainable peace and development as well as humanitarian actions.

The Chairman of the Lecture, His Excellency, Senator Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of Senate Committee on the Nigerian Navy, was represented by retired General Olumuyiwa Okunnowo.

Senator Daniel noted that the Nigerian Navy plays a critical role in unlocking the potential of the Blue Economy.

He, therefore, called on all stakeholders to come together to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of the Blue Economy for a prosperous and sustainable future.

The Blue Economy concept aims to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and protect the environment through sustainable use of ocean resources.

Vice admiral Ogalla stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration to unlock the potential of the Blue Economy for a prosperous and sustainable future.

The lecture was attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Navy, Senator Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, who was represented by General Olumuyiwa Okunnowo.

Credit – Directorate of Public Communication, UI