The Ondo State Government has launched a comprehensive Blue Economy Agenda designed to harness marine and aquatic resources for sustainable growth. The initiative was unveiled during the 2025 Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) Summit, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.

Declaring the summit open, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa—represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti—described the theme, “Harnessing the Blue Economy for Sustainable Development in Ondo State,” as a call to rethink and reengineer the state’s economic future.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning the blue economy as a strategic pillar of the OUR EASE Agenda, outlining key initiatives such as:

Development of a Blue Economy Master Plan as a roadmap for investment and ecological stewardship.

Promotion of eco-friendly fishing, erosion control, and biodiversity conservation.

Adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to attract investors in aquaculture, renewable ocean energy, and marine trade.

Human capital development through OSOPADEC and related agencies to train youths in fisheries, ocean technology, and allied fields.


According to the governor, the initiative is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs, raise the state’s GDP, and build a resilient, sustainability-driven economy. He also pledged to intensify campaigns against waterway pollution, sustain the state’s Zero Waste Philosophy, and rally collective commitment to safeguard marine resources for future generations.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, described the summit as a gathering of “thought leaders and innovators” committed to unlocking Ondo State’s aquatic potential. He emphasized that the state’s 75-kilometre Atlantic coastline and vast inland waterways present immense opportunities for job creation, food security, and economic diversification.

Also speaking, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Ayodele Olawande—represented by Miss Leah Akinfiresoye—highlighted the blue economy as a paradigm shift that balances growth with environmental stewardship. He identified opportunities in sustainable fishing, marine energy, tourism, and maritime transport, stressing that youth empowerment is central to long-term progress, given that over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under 30.

Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders, including the State Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Mrs. Bola Akinyanmi, who called for stronger institutions to drive sustainability, and Mr. Ahmed Tiamiyu of Community Action Against Plastic Waste, who urged the government to prioritize accurate data, robust policies, and green job creation.