The Akwa Ibom government has urged journalists in the state to acquire skills and knowledge that will enable them to tap into the emerging opportunities in the maritime sector.

Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, made the call at a workshop to prepare journalists and other stakeholders for the take-off of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

Mr Ememobong said the workshop was organised by the state government to prepare stakeholders to understand their roles in the project.

He said that Governor Umo Eno was diligently working to bring the project to reality, saying, “The workshop is to position and prepare ourselves to be active players in the maritime sector.”

The commissioner said that when on stream, the deep seaport would accelerate the state’s socio-economic development.

“Currently, Lagos and Rivers States are the players in the maritime sector because of their seaports. Akwa Ibom is set to join this league with the construction of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

“While the state government is working this out, we should have a pool of highly skilled manpower for employment at the port and the industries that will be set up,” he said.

Mr Ememobong further said the workshop was to enable stakeholders to gain deeper insights into the maritime and blue economy sector.

“We need to assess the lucrative nature and viability of this sector, and see how we can be a part of this industry. Success only happens when opportunity meets with preparation,” he said.

Aniefiok Oton, the president of Brightflow Conglomerate, said the maritime sector held immense potential that would surpass that of oil if harnessed properly.

“There is a need to also maximise the benefits of maritime transport, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and renewable energy,” he said.

(NAN)