By Solomon OKPO, Uyo
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships with key players in Nigeria’s maritime, offshore and energy sectors as part of efforts to promote the growth of the nation’s blue economy.
The State Chairman of EMR, Mr. Harrison Ndifreke, made the commitment on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the association’s executive and members to the management of Azimarine and General Services Limited. He said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the association to the company while strengthening collaboration between the media and stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Ndifreke commended Azimarine and General Services Limited for its significant investments in marine services and its contribution to the development of Nigeria’s offshore and maritime industries. He described the company as one of the indigenous firms demonstrating that Nigerian-owned businesses possess the capacity, expertise and operational standards to compete successfully on the global stage.
According to him, the media has a critical role to play in projecting the achievements of indigenous companies, promoting local content participation and encouraging policies that will attract greater investment into the maritime and energy sectors. He stressed that EMR remains committed to accurate, balanced and development-oriented journalism that showcases opportunities within the blue economy and supports sustainable economic growth.
The EMR Chairman further expressed admiration for the world-class facilities and operational standards observed during the visit, noting that such investments would create employment opportunities, strengthen local capacity and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.
He also called for a long-term partnership between EMR and Azimarine and General Services Limited through regular engagements, knowledge sharing and collaborative initiatives that would further advance the maritime, offshore and energy industries in Akwa Ibom State and across the country.
Ndifreke thanked the management and staff of the company for the warm reception accorded to the delegation and wished the organisation continued success in its operations, expressing optimism that the relationship would foster greater public awareness of the immense potential of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
