'Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity' - Revisiting 2025 World Maritime Day
The World Maritime Day, marked globally on September 25 every year. This year's edition, marked in Nigeria by stakeholders had the theme, "Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity."
By Dianabasi Effiong
The World Maritime Day, marked globally on September 25 every year. This year's edition,
marked in Nigeria by stakeholders had the theme, "Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity."
Though the event had come and gone memories offered by the event provided deep thought for those, especially in Nigeria's Delta region and in areas whose livelihood, including the economy, largely depend on Maritime resources.
Those who benefit from the Ocean resources must treat the ocean well. They ought to act responsibly to preserve the environment that offers diverse opportunities.
Why do we celebrate Maritime Day? Stakeholders are aware of the important role of shipping in the economy of those who benefit from such trade.
They are also aware that they have a responsibility to protect their Maritime environment, minimise marine pollution, encourage sustainable development of the sector, the welfare and importance of seafarers, and sustainable maritime practices.
This year's theme highlighted the role of the ocean in international trade, in creating jobs and climate regulations, hence the need to protect it.
It also re-emphasised the need for a sustainable Blue Economy. It also celebrated efforts by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to set standards for a safer, cleaner, global maritime environment.
There are challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector that deserve international cooperation for a prosperous and protected ocean for generations yet unborn, which the event also highlighted.
In Nigeria, stakeholders in the industry, media practitioners, government, and the private sector gathered to discuss the need for a sustainable future for the country's maritime domain and more.
In Port Harcourt, the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) celebrated the Day "in line with the United Nations mandate to member countries to end plastic pollution in the next 10 years."
EMR also urged governments at all levels in Nigeria's Niger Delta region and relevant Federal agencies to enforce more laws to curb the disposal of disposable plastic materials used regularly in Nigeria.
The group which made this known through its Chairman, Martins Giadom, stated, "As members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria, (EMR) pledge to continue their Campaign for environmental Justice leading to Ocean Science, as the ocean is seen to be sick and unhealthy."
On efforts by different economies to map out every segment of the ocean to understand the challenges facing the Sea, EMR said that members would intensify the campaign to reduce the problems of Mangrove desertification, climate change, and water pollution.
They also called on the authorities of higher institutions of learning in Nigeria to cooperate with relevant authorities in setting the Agenda for the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It also stated, "In Rivers and core Niger Delta States, we call on the states and local governments to embark on the construction of canals and cleaning, desilting of their gutters and drainage systems, especially the Nta Worgba Creek in Port Harcourt, and similar major drains for free flow of water during the rains to minimise flash floods observable in parts of the the state.
"More environmental Justice campaigns by all stakeholders are essential in achieving set objectives."
The group also appealed to Mariners and ship owners to join in the campaign to create necessary awareness during the UN World Ocean Mangrove and World Maritime Day celebrations.
"These will help stakeholders achieve the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda to succeed.
As part of their celebration, Live Radio programmes to raise necessary awareness for the global event were also organised.
It is important to note that for centuries, the Ocean had been human-constant.
It connects, feeds us, regulates our trade, and our climate.
However, this magnificent resource regularly faced unprecedented threats - pollution - and unsustainable practices.
According to the Founder of the Blue Economy Academy, Ubong Essien, marking the anniversary of the World Maritime Day 2025 was thrilling for the institution.
"The maritime sector has immensely impacted the global economy.
"Today, the world celebrates the theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity. Our ocean is a shared heritage. It is not just a collection of water; it is a global ecosystem that sustains millions of jobs and transports more than 80 per cent of the world's goods. It is part of who we are. Understanding this is the first step.
"Next is our obligation. Our duty is to protect and preserve this vital reserve. This means embracing sustainable practices, fighting illegal fishing, and reducing marine pollution.
"At the Blue Academy, we are committed to tackling sea blindness - the lack of awareness about our maritime potentials - equipping people with the tools to be responsible stewards of our oceans, building a generation that sees water, not as a barrier, but a path to prosperity."
Essien, who said that there were opportunities if we fulfilled our obligations, added that humanity could "prosper by water."
"By fulfilling our obligations, we unlock immense potential, economic growth, and innovations. The blue economy is a pathway to a greener future.
"It includes Renewable Energy, sustainable aquaculture, and cutting-edge maritime technology. It is also creating jobs, building businesses, and driving economic development in ways that respect the environment.
Essien also advised us to look to the ocean with a renewed sense of purpose.
"Let's also embrace our shared responsibility and seize incredible opportunities that lie beneath the oceans. The future, our planet, and our people depend on it."
"Nigeria’s future is blue — our seas carry trade, sustain communities, and hold vast potential for jobs and prosperity.
"But with opportunity comes the responsibility to protect and manage wisely.
He also said that people should "join the movement to build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Blue Economy for all."
He said, "In Nigeria, there are opportunities for prosperity through the Blue economy, to ProsperByWater."
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