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The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening women’s participation in the blue economy following the emergence of the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, as an Ambassador of African Women in Maritime (WIMAfrica).
The development came as the leadership of WIMAfrica Nigeria Chapter paid a courtesy visit to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Yenagoa on Tuesday, where discussions focused on expanding opportunities for women, coastal communities and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
Receiving the delegation in her office, the Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mrs. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, said the Ministry is open to strategic collaboration with organisations whose work supports sustainable maritime development.
She explained that the concept of an inclusive blue economy goes beyond the exploitation of ocean and marine resources. Rather, it seeks to ensure that the benefits of maritime development are widely shared through gender balance, community participation, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods for people living in coastal and riverine communities.
According to the Commissioner, social sustainability is a key pillar of the Ministry’s policy direction. This approach, she noted, recognizes the vital roles women already play in fisheries, fish processing, marine trade, and other ocean-based economic activities, while also creating pathways for their greater participation and leadership within the sector.
Dr. Zibs-Godwin further noted that the Ministry’s approach is in consonance with the Assured Prosperity Agenda of the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Douye Diri, which prioritises people-centred development, institutional strengthening, and sustainable economic opportunities for the people of the state.
Earlier in her remarks, the President of WIMAfrica Nigeria, Theodora Nwaeze, congratulated the Commissioner on her leadership and expressed the association’s interest in building a strong partnership with the Ministry.
She explained that WIMAfrica remains committed to promoting the participation of women in the maritime industry through advocacy, mentorship, professional development, and capacity building across the maritime value chain.
Mrs. Nwaeze added that the visit provided an opportunity for the association to formally introduce its new leadership team and to explore areas of collaboration with the Ministry in advancing gender inclusion and sustainable development in the maritime sector.
A major highlight of the visit was the conferment of the prestigious WIMAfrica Ambassadorial status on Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin in recognition of her leadership and her commitment to expanding opportunities for women within the maritime and blue economy space.
Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, African Vice President (Anglophone Countries) of the WIMAfrica, and the immediate-past President of WIMA-Nigeria, was also part of the delegation.
