Kemi, a Nigerian in diaspora based in Republic of Ireland and Chairperson of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH'23) during the presidential campaign in a statement on Monday, August 28, 2023 appreciated the President for the appointment of former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (CON) as the Minister to manage the affairs of the new ministry.
Recall President Tinubu had on Monday, August 21, 2023 sworn in 45 ministers to a new cabinet that must get to grips with tackling the problems of sluggish growth, a weak currency and high inflation in Africa's largest economy.
Kemi in her statement said:
“I deeply commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his high profile patriotism and for expanding the frontier of good and democratic governance, more importantly in the creation of Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
“This initiative will form a positive force for transformation and perfectly serve as a vehicle for driving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12,13,14. It will as well engender pragmatic avenue for addressing pressing issues such as climate change and environmental vulnerabilities and collective progress of Nigeria.
“With my little research, the blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem. Blue economy activities include maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries and deep sea mining, marine genetic resources and biotechnology.
“With no shred of doubt, President Tinubu has demonstrated another feat in critical thinking, hence the creation of Blue Economy Ministry. This is long overdue, more importantly, to support the diversification of the economy, efficient management and sustainable exploitation of the marine resources in our seas and oceans, no doubt, provide a veritable tool for economic growth, capacity building and prosperity.
“Nigeria’s substantial blue economy potential has the capacity to emerge as a promising option to the country’s heavy reliance on crude oil if effectively and efficiently harnessed. According to data from NIMASA, the estimated value of Nigeria’s untapped blue economy potential is a remarkable $296 billion. This figure underscores the immense prospects within the sector, offering the potential to generate substantial employment opportunities, mainly catering to the burgeoning youth population.
She equally saluted Alhaji Gboyega Isiaka as a man of integrity, purpose and vision, adding that as a seasoned professional with the requisite skills and expertise he has the wherewithal to propel advancements in this novel field.
Kemi also used the opportunity to call on Federal Government to muster sufficient and sincere collaborations with relevant United Nations agencies, like the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union, so as to ensure that Nigeria's initiatives are well-aligned with contemporary global and continental realities.
