MAN Oron Applauds Maritime Writes Project as Catalyst for National Maritime Renaissance

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, has hailed the Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp as a transformative initiative that anchors Nigeria’s maritime heritage and charts new horizons for the sector’s future. Representing the Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, the Head of Library ande Resource Centre, Musa Muhammad Auwal, delivered a goodwill message at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the Academy’s unwavering support for the project and its alignment with national goals.

“The Maritime Writes Project is more than just writing — it anchors our heritage and sets new horizons of thought,” Auwal declared.

“At MAN Oron, we recognize that the maritime industry is not only powered by ships and ports but also by ideas, knowledge, and the timeless power of written words.”

He praised the bootcamp’s theme, “Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria’s EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy – Stories of Sea Guardians, Trade Routes and Coastal Adventures,” as a reflection of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON’s vision to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime hub.

Auwal noted that the initiative complements MAN Oron’s Quality Policy Statement, which is to produce a highly competent workforce for the global maritime industry and allied sector.

This is even as Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the maritime story telling set the tone for the event by urging participants to approach storytelling with “focus, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility.”

He described the Naval Dockyard as a strategic hub where engineering precision and strategic vision converge to safeguard maritime security and drive national development.

“This is not just about ships and steel. It is about ideas, expression, and the power of words to shape perceptions, attract investment, and influence policy,” Rear Admiral Shehu told the 60 selected participants.

He emphasized that creative writing reflecting the blue economy spanning security, fisheries, tourism, oil and gas, and renewable energy, can educate the public, promote trade, and strengthen national identity.

“Your pen is as critical to the sector’s future as any vessel in our Navy fleet,” he said.

In her welcome address, Ezinne Azunna, Coordinator of the Maritime Writes Project, highlighted the bootcamp’s role in nurturing maritime fiction, which currently comprises only one percent of Africa’s literary output.

“Since our inception, we have trained over 200 people across Nigeria, hosted 18 Captains of Industry, and published 17 maritime-themed short stories,” she said.

Azunna noted that the bootcamp offers participants direct engagement with industry leaders and immersive tours of maritime facilities, providing first hand exposure to operational realities and investment opportunities.h

The opening ceremony drew prominent figures from across the maritime sector, including Chief Christopher Botha, Hon. Olaitan Williams, Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Mr. Bukar Kaumi, Mrs. Funmi Shelika, Domo Umoekpe, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, among others.

As the bootcamp unfolds, stakeholders remain optimistic that the fusion of literature and maritime expertise will not only inspire future generations but also elevate Nigeria’s status on the global maritime stage.