From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Chairman of Wonderland Television, Abuja, Alhaji Ismail Sani, has called for a nationwide sensitisation campaign on the economic, social, livelihood and environmental benefits of the emerging Blue Economy, describing it as a major opportunity for job creation among Nigeria’s teeming youth population.
In a statement issued to our correspondent in Calabar by Piriye Kiyaramo, Sani said that, if properly governed, the Blue Economy could transform coastal communities from vulnerable areas into centres of employment, food security, wealth creation and environmental protection.
Sani made the call in Abuja while accepting his appointment as the first Patron of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER).
He also pledged to brief the Minister of Information and National Orientation on ABER’s activities to secure federal support for a nationwide Blue Economy awareness campaign.
“There is an urgent need to sensitise Nigerians about the Blue Economy. I will personally put the Honourable Minister of Information on notice about the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable and the imperative to enlighten Nigerians on the massive job creation opportunities the Blue Economy brings,” he stated.
Expressing his delight over the appointment, Sani said it was the first appointment he had accepted in his 37 years in the media industry.
“Let me say this is the first appointment I am accepting in my 37 years in the media industry. I don’t usually accept awards or appointments, but I have accepted this one because it is unique. We will go beyond boundaries.
“On behalf of myself, the Wonderland Media Group and my family, I willingly accept the appointment as Patron of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable. I assure you we will do our best to bring this project to reality. Since you are coming from the private sector, it is our responsibility to sensitise Nigerians about the Blue Economy,” he said.