Over 60 Young Writers Set to Explore Nigeria’s Blue Economy Through Storytelling

* As Rear Admiral Shehu To Flag Off 2025 Maritime Writes Bootcamp

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - August 7, 2025: The 2025 edition of the Maritime Writes Project, MWP Creative Writing Bootcamp is set to launch with a grand opening ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos, where Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard, will officially flag off the event. The bootcamp, which runs from August 13 to 16, will host over 60 participants selected from public entries across schools, media, and maritime organizations.

Project Coordinator, Ezinne Azunna announced the details in a press statement released Wednesday, highlighting the bootcamp’s mission to immerse budding writers in Nigeria’s maritime and Blue Economy sectors.

“This year, we’re training about 25 children in the Junior category and 40 in the Senior category,” Azunna said. “Participants were selected through an entry phase that included essays and illustrations themed ‘My Blue Economy,’ where applicants shared their understanding of maritime sustainability.”

The event is scheduled to hold August 13–14 Maritime Writes Junior: Storytelling with Illustration Ages 7–13 from 9am–2 pm.

Aug 13–15 Maritime Writes Senior: Creative Writing Training Ages 14–60 9am–5:30 pm

Aug 16 Maritime Writes Tours: Naval Dockyard & Ship Tour Ages 15+ 9 am–3 pm

The bootcamp’s theme, “Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria’s EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy – Stories of Sea Guardians, Trade Routes, and Coastal Adventures,” will guide participants as they engage with maritime professionals and explore real-world naval operations.

Participants will interact with: Captains of warships and LNG/Merchant vessels, 

Key stakeholders from the Nigerian Ports Authority, Naval Dockyard, Western Naval Command, UN Blue Schools Network, AWFISHNET, FESAN, and others

Azunna emphasized that the experience will help participants craft compelling maritime fiction rooted in authentic encounters and insights.

“Having children from public schools and coastal communities like Makoko join us this year is especially exciting,” she added.

MWP continues its tradition of nurturing maritime-themed literature. In November 2024, the project unveiled three anthologies of short stories written by past participants:

Three Dreams and a Beach and Other Maritime Short Stories

The Surfer in Me and Other Maritime Short Stories

The Water Guard and Other Maritime Stories

With the 2025 bootcamp, MWP aims to further inspire creative voices and deepen public engagement with Nigeria’s maritime future.