REAR ADMIRAL SHEHU FLAGS-OFF MARITIME CREATIVE WRITING BOOT CAMP, CALLS FOR INSPIRING STORIES

The Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, declared open the 2025 edition of the Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp, urging participants to become powerful voices in shaping Nigeria’s maritime narrative and projecting the nation’s blue economy potential to the world.

Speaking at the Dockyard’s premises in Lagos on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Shehu described the Naval Dockyard as not just a hub for vessel maintenance and construction, but a strategic centre where engineering precision, skilled craftsmanship, and strategic vision combine to serve the country’s military and merchant marine needs.

According to him, the maritime industry remains a vital pillar of the Nigerian economy, with strong links to sectors including security, shipping, fisheries, oceanography, trade, tourism, oil and gas, renewable energy, port operations, and logistics.

“When creative writing reflects these economic sectors, it does more than inspire it educates, attracts investment, promotes trade, and strengthens our standing among the global community of maritime nations,” he said.

Rear Admiral Shehu also stressed that well-crafted narratives have the power to influence policy, drive innovation, and highlight opportunities in the blue economy.

"You are not here just to write; you are here to shape perspectives, to ignite curiosity, and to present the maritime domain as a driver of national growth.

"Your exposure here will broaden your understanding of how creativity intersects commerce, innovation, and leadership,” he told the participants.

The bootcamp, which features hands-on workshops, will also offer participants direct engagement with captains of industry, policymakers, and innovators in the maritime space.

Reeling out the expectations at the 2025 bootcamp, the Head of Faculty, Maritime Writes Project, Dr. Taiwo Nolas-Alausa, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity to learn new things about the marine and blue economy, assuring that by the end of the bootcamp they will be better writers.

During the workshop, Dr. Nolas-Alausa, who is also the Director General of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, introduced the participants to the various stages of writing including; pre-writing, drafting, writing, editing, and publishing.

Also speaking, the Director of Internal Ocean Institute (IOI) Nigeria, Dr. Akanbi Williams, stressed the significance of endearing Nigerians to the vast opportunities in the Marie and blue economy via literature.

Noting that IOI Nigeria has been in partnership with the Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp for 4 years, Williams described the initiative as laudable and added that storytelling is a vital tool for ocean literacy.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Prof. Abiodun Sule, who was represented by Dr. Ayaobu Cookey, described the blue economy as a national asset that must be adequately explored.

The President of African Women's Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), Mrs. Funmi Shelika, equally admonished the participants amplify the voice of those often unheard, particularly women in small-scale fishing through stories and artistic expressions.

Her words: "Through your stories, we can inspire the next generation, influence decision makers and strengthen our collective commitment to protect our waters and the livelihoods of riverine communities."

In his remarks, the Acting Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) , Dr. Kevin Okonna, who was represented by the Head of Library, Musa Muhammad Auwal, said the theme of this year's edition "Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria's EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy - Stories of Sea Guardians, Trade Routes and Coastal Adventures" resonates with the commitment of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, towards ensuring Nigeria becomes Africa's leading maritime hub.

Earlier, the Coordinator of Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp, Ezinne Azunna, disclosed that the initiative has trained over 200 people across Nigeria, hosted 18 Captains of Industry and professionals as guest mentors, been guided by seven dedicated faculty members, and supported by 12 committed volunteers.

"Over the years, our Creative Writing Bootcamps have explored themes ranging from seaports, diving, and climate change to marine pollution, rising sea levels, and maritime heritage. At least three alumni have gone on to win national and international writing awards, achievements they attribute in part to this programme.

"We have published 17 maritime-themed short stories across three compendiums, all authored by participants of the Maritime Writes Project. Our tours to Bonny Island and the Osun-Osogbo Grove have further immersed participants in the cultural, economic, and environmental narratives of our waters."

Giving her remarks after the end of the first day, one of the participants, Barakat Alao, said; "Today has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve gained fresh insight into Nigeria’s blue economy and the power of storytelling to safeguard our maritime heritage, promote trade, and inspire greater awareness of the sector’s potential.

"I am grateful to the organisers, facilitators, and the entire team for creating such an amazing platform that felt just like family everyone was so warm, kind, and welcoming."

Maritime industry speakers on day one of the bootcamp included; the Naval Captain of NNS KANO, Capt. Sa'id Kabir; a Master Mariner, Capt. Caleb Danladi (PhD); and the Director of IOI Nigeria, Dr. Akanbi Williams; while the MWP Head of Creative Writing Review and Editing Panel/ Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adeleke University, Prof. Adegbite Tobalase; and the Head of Faculty, MWP, Dr. Taiwo Nolas-Alausa trained the participants on creative writing.