Stakeholders in the Maritime sector have called for collaborations among coastal communities as African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) honours Captain Warredi Enisuoh with Extraordinary Ambassador Award
The Federal Government of Nigeria has been advised to invest in carbon credits to encourage sustainable development in the marine and blue economy sector.
Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations, Tantita Security Services Limited, gave the advice while presenting a paper titled “Climate Change and Blue Economy ” at the fourth Annual Symposium and Workshop organised by African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) in Lagos on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
The theme of the symposium and workshop, which was declared open by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, was “Achieving Blue Growth in a Changing Climate (integrating the Coastal Communities)”
Captain Waredi, who was honoured with the award of Extraodinary Ambassador by AFMESI, explained that greenhouse gases and other climate change challenges can be turned into tools for job creation and development for coastal communities if used properly.
The award was in recognition of his support and contributions towards the growth of marine and blue economy in Nigeria.
He also said that carbon credits attract renewable energy and can be turned into benefits through the effective use and management of the sea for the development of the country.
Warredi warned that Nigeria has the potential to create jobs and reduce risks with a well-sustainable maritime infrastructure, stressing the need for sustainable economic and social development through sustainable maritime security.
He also emphasized the impact of deforestation, farming, harvesting and the destruction of the port as a resource that the country can use for mango production.
He urged participants to provide viable suggestions for addressing the many challenges in the blue economy.
In her speech, AFMESI President/Founder, Dr. Mogo, called for collaborations between coastal communities and stakeholders in the marine and blue economy sector to promote marine
regulation and development.
In her words, “We must be united in our commitment to achieve sustainable blue development in Africa, especially in the face of climate change. As we explore the many opportunities that the blue economy offers, it is important to think about our vision as a group and the future goals that need to be set to implement our shared vision for African oceans and seas” .
She explained that the African Community for the Environment (AFMESI) was established with the main objective of managing and protecting the marine and marine environment, and supporting economic development that is not for the only business but for the livelihood of millions of people.
According to her, AFMESI has spearheaded many projects and initiatives in Nigeria and across Africa aimed at protecting the marine environment, empowering coastal communities and promoting policies that support sustainable water management.
She added that investing in education and capacity-building at all levels is crucial for achieving sustainable blue growth. AFMESI will continue to provide training programs for policymakers, stakeholders, and the youth, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive effective ocean governance and sustainable practices.
Dr Felicia further said that AFMESI plans to expand community initiatives and provide training, equipment and support to enable local communities to participate in ocean management.
This includes supporting sustainable fisheries and protecting the environment and oceans to ensure we do not remain at the bottom of the global blue economy.
In another development, the Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) also bestowed honour on Capt. Anthony Onoharigho for contributions towards development of maritime industry.
Receiving the award, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Capt. Onoharigho said, “I am now a friend to all the women
“I was so honoured by WILAT and I deeply appreciate this award. Most times when one is doing something, you don’t know that someone is watching you and WILAT has been monitoring my progress in the maritime industry. I will work with them to achieve what they want to achieve in the industry.”
A cursory look at profile of the awardee shows that he attended Sea Grammar School, Sapele, Delta State from 1976 to 1981 and obtained West African School Certificate before proceeding to Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron for Diploma in Nautical Science and holds a Masters Marine Certificate.
He also holds a Masters Marine Certificate and worked in many vessels and crude oil tanker berthing in Shell Petroleum, Chevron as well as a Supply Vessel Crew of Masters for many years.
He attended and earned the Master License of Competency in Liberia between1994 and 1995 and Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron for his Post Graduate Diploma in Shipping Technology from 1995 to 1996.
Onoharigho proceeded to Federal University of Technology, Owerri to study Maritime Management.
He was the first Nigerian to set up a classification company, Mariner Nigeria Ltd., and he is the Managing Director and African Representative and Chief Surveyor for Mariner Group, America.
The activities of the company entails, coordinating ships survey and classification, country flag representative such as Nigeria, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Tanzania, Togo, among others.
