Blue Economy: President Bio, Raila Odinga, Rotimi Amaechi, others to receive Continental Awards in Kenya

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Nigeria’s Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, is among top Africans nominated for the forthcoming Blue Economy Awards set to hold in March in Nairobi, Kenya.

According to the organisers, the Africa Blue Economy Forum is in recognition of distinguished African professionals and political leaders who have made verifiable contributions towards the advancement of the blue (ocean) economy.

Nominees were confirmed after a rigorous screening exercise conducted by a team of professionals. Preparations are ongoing by the continental body for the public investiture of the nominees of the awards on the 12th of March after the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABEA) which will hold on the 11th both at Kempiski Villa Rosa Hotel in Nairobi.

In a message posted on their website, the Head of the Secretariat of ABEA, Nancy Kairaria expressed optimism that the event will foster an inclusive conversation for harnessing the potential of blue economy in the continent and exploring alternative pathways for poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The President of People’s Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta will be the Special Guest of Honor while representatives of the World Bank, UNESCO and African Union have confirmed their participation in the sessions.

The nominees are The president of Sierra Leone, HE Julius Maada Bio, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria’s transportation minister, Raila Odinga, former prime minister of Kenya, Barka Mossae of the African Union and, Nassim Oulmane of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State was nominated for the Maritime Security category.

“This is in recognition for his role in the introduction and implementation of deep blue security project which has led to a marked reduction of the incidences of piracy at sea and overall improvement of maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea,” the statement said.

Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Bio, was nominated as the champion of Blue Economy in Africa for providing political leadership, improved regulation by enforcing the rule of law, and promoting investments in the blue economy.

According to Politico, a former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga, also earned nomination for the Livelihood Improvement category for promoting programmes and efforts to improve livelihood and social inclusion in coastal communities in Kenya through harnessing blue economy opportunities in tourism, transport and aquaculture.

Nassim Oulmane, chief, blue and green economy of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, was nominated in the Climate Change and Economic Development category for the role in the promotion of multi-sectoral collaboration for advancing blue economy and climate change.

Barka Mossae of the African Union is the nominee for the Partnership category, in recognition of her role in promoting partnerships for the enhancing of the blue economy at the African Union, according to the statement.

 

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