By Solomon OKPO
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has announced plans to host the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration in Uyo on Thursday, September 24, with a focus on unlocking the state’s maritime and blue economy potential.
The celebration, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Jacksville Events Place, Plot 1, Unit E, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, will be held in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
For the Akwa Ibom celebration, EMR has adopted the theme: “Unlocking Akwa Ibom’s Maritime and Blue Economy Potential Through Effective Policy Implementation, Local Content Participation and Strategic Partnerships.”
The event is expected to attract stakeholders from the maritime, energy, oil and gas, shipping, logistics, government, financial and business sectors, as well as the media, to deliberate on practical strategies for sustainable maritime development and expansion of the blue economy in the state.
According to EMR, discussions at the event will focus on translating maritime policies into measurable economic opportunities, strengthening local content participation, promoting indigenous businesses and fostering strategic partnerships capable of driving investment and job creation.
The association also said the celebration would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the prospects of Akwa Ibom’s extensive maritime resources and explore ways of positioning the state as a significant hub for maritime and blue economy activities in the Gulf of Guinea.
As part of its preparations, EMR Akwa Ibom has appealed to corporate organisations, government agencies, maritime companies, oil and gas firms, financial institutions, shipping and logistics companies, and other individuals and organisations to support the celebration through sponsorship and strategic partnerships.
The association noted that sponsors would have opportunities to showcase their brands, connect with key industry stakeholders and demonstrate their commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy.
The Central Planning Committee Chairman, Sir Unyime Ekwere, KSJI, can be reached on 0706 729 0470, while the CPC Secretary, Mr John Bassey, is available on 0812 773 6496. The EMR Akwa Ibom State Chairman and Chief Host, Harrison Ndifreke, can be contacted on 0803 294 4649.
Ndifreke urged corporate organisations, government institutions and other maritime stakeholders to identify with the celebration, stressing that collective action was required to move maritime policies from paper to practical economic benefits.
He said effective implementation of policies, stronger local participation and purposeful partnerships would be critical to unlocking the vast maritime and blue economy opportunities available to Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole.
