Blue Economy Expert, Owowa Oluwasegun Alex, Champions Ondo State’s Marine-Driven Economic Transformation as Investors Express Readiness to Partner with Government
Blue Economy expert, business analyst, and market executive, Owowa Oluwasegun Alex, has reiterated the urgent need to harness Ondo State’s vast coastal wealth for sustainable economic growth. With increasing global attention on marine-based economies, Owowa stressed that Ondo State is strategically positioned for an economic transformation that can drive industrialization, job creation, and revenue generation.
In his latest thought leadership piece, “Harnessing the Blue Economy for Ondo State’s Sustainable Growth,” published on LinkedIn, Owowa outlined a comprehensive roadmap for unlocking the potential of the fisheries sector, maritime trade, coastal tourism, and renewable energy. His insights have attracted strong interest from local and international industry players, many of whom are keen to collaborate with the Ondo State Government and explore investment opportunities in the state’s marine economy.
Ondo State boasts a rich coastline, abundant fisheries, and unexplored maritime trade routes, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s emerging Blue Economy. However, policy gaps, infrastructure deficits, and minimal government focus have historically hindered growth in the sector.
Owowa commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his proactive leadership and commitment to marine-sector development, citing his world press conference at Araromi Beach during his inauguration, where he openly invited investors to leverage Ondo’s coastal opportunities.
“Beyond the governor’s call for investors at Araromi Beach, I have personally heard him emphasize the importance of the Blue Economy on multiple occasions. This reflects his unwavering dedication to marine-sector development. Seeing the achievements of his administration over the past year, I am confident that Ondo’s marine economy is on the path to becoming a model for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria,” Owowa stated.
To actualize the full potential of the Blue Economy, Owowa proposed a multi-pronged strategic approach. He emphasized the need for a dedicated Blue Economy Advisory Office under the Governor’s leadership, along with a clear policy framework to guide sustainable investments in fisheries, maritime infrastructure, and eco-tourism. He also advocated for Public-Private Partnerships to drive infrastructure development, encouraging foreign direct investment and local collaborations in deep-sea fishing, aquaculture, and logistics hubs. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of modern ports and cold storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses and boost exports.
In the area of renewable energy, Owowa called for investments in offshore wind and tidal energy to complement Nigeria’s renewable energy transition. He further stressed the need for climate-resilient coastal infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities from environmental challenges. On sustainable fisheries and maritime trade, he proposed the adoption of modern aquaculture techniques and the establishment of marine research hubs. He also underscored the importance of developing efficient maritime logistics to strengthen Ondo State’s position in regional and international trade.
Owowa emphasised that global economies are shifting towards sustainability, and Ondo State must act swiftly to secure its place as a marine economic powerhouse. He called for immediate engagement between government stakeholders, investors, and industry experts to translate policies into actionable projects.
“The time for action is now. With the right policies, strategic investments, and strong government leadership, as demonstrated by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State can emerge as a leading force in Nigeria’s Blue Economy. The state must capitalize on its maritime assets to drive industrial expansion, employment, and sustainable development.” He concluded.
