Oyetola Calls for Stronger Ocean Conservation, Blue Economy Education at Maritime Art Exhibition
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to conserve and harness its ocean resources responsibly, warning that the country’s future survival depends on how well it manages its maritime assets.
Speaking at the African Maritime Art Exhibition on 18th November, 2025 themed ” A Thousand Words From the Blue”, in Lagos, Oyetola who was represented by Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister , Busayo Fakinlede said Nigeria must preserve its oceans and fully understand the wealth beneath its waters. He noted that the exhibition serves as a reminder of the vast opportunities within the nation’s maritime space and the importance of raising public awareness.
The minister expressed excitement about the Blue School initiative, revealing ongoing collaborations between his ministry, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders to introduce blue economy education into primary and secondary school curriculums. According to him, children must understand early how to protect and utilise ocean resources, as the sector will play a major role in the country’s future.
Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s rich marine resources, including over 200 commercially viable fish species, diverse mineral deposits within the seabed, and abundant renewable energy sources such as tidal and offshore wind power. He described the country as “blessed,” adding that Nigeria must develop the vision to showcase and maximise the potential of its maritime space.
He also emphasised Nigeria’s strategic advantage of having 853 kilometres of coastline, calling it a national responsibility to safeguard and harness it for economic growth.
The minister commended the organisers of the exhibition for bringing together experts, security agencies, students, and other stakeholders to promote awareness about ocean sustainability. He said the participation of children was particularly encouraging, as it reflects growing interest in ocean education.
“We need to preserve our ocean. We need to know the resources that we have in the ocean and harness them for the betterment of the population.
“This is a way of engaging the society . I was so excited about the blue school. Absolutely, it is incredible. We need to engage our young ones. The ministry is in the process of engaging with Ministry of Education and other stakeholders on how to bring blue economy into our school curriculums.”
“The country is actually blessed to have an artist with the vision to begin to showcase the importance of our maritime space, by bringing our experts together, stakeholders and kids together to let them know that it is important for them to learn about our ocean.”, he said.
Founder of the African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) and journalist, Ezinne Azunna, praised the growing impact of the annual event, describing its evolution as a powerful bridge between the maritime and creative sectors.
Azunna expressed gratitude to partners, exhibitors, coastal community children and industry stakeholders whose contributions have helped the initiative flourish. She commended the Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN), international guests, and other collaborators for their continued support.
Azunna recalled that AMAE began four years ago as a modest showcase inspired by her personal collection of rare photography captured across Nigeria’s maritime environment. What started as a private project, she said, gradually transformed into a platform aimed at addressing the longstanding gaps in public understanding of marine and maritime issues.
Having reported the maritime sector for over 21 years, Azunna noted that professionals were often frustrated by the limited awareness among policymakers, government leaders, coastal communities and the public. This prompted Maritime TV Africa to develop new ways beyond routine reportage to communicate ocean stewardship and the importance of the blue economy.
According to her, the African Maritime Art Exhibition has since grown into the continent’s only art exhibition dedicated solely to the maritime sector. With support from international organisations, NGOs and local partners, the exhibition has become a forum where “the Blue speaks,” bringing together artists, policymakers, diplomats, students, maritime workers, and industry leaders to learn, reflect and take action.
Azunna highlighted the introduction of several thematic programmes over the years, including Blue Economy in Arts for Schools and Children, and the newly launched Blue Art by Women, inspired by artist and poet Ebony.
She said AMAE’s mission aligns strongly with global and regional priorities such as the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), African Youth Union initiatives and ECOWAS efforts to promote sustainable blue economies, maritime security and community engagement. Through art, she added, AMAE translates complex maritime issues into relatable stories that inspire empathy and responsible ocean stewardship.
“African Maritime Art Exhibition AMAE began four years ago with a modest exhibition .It was born out of a collection of rare photography of the maritime environment around Nigeria that I had gathered for over a few years, hoping they might one day tell the story of places I have been. What began as a personal journey soon became a larger call of duty at the time.
“Several international, governmental organizations and non governmental organizations have joined us in recognising art as a powerful tool for diplomatic engagement, public awareness and sustainable development. Over the years, African Maritime Arts Exhibition has grown into more than an exhibition. It’s a forum where the Blue speaks, bringing together artists, policymakers, students, maritime professionals, the diplomatic community, captains of industries, academics, the public to reflect, learn and take action.”
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