Rear Admiral Shehu Launches Maritime Creative Writing Bootcamp

...Urges Writers To Champion Nigeria’s Blue Economy

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria — August 14, 2025: Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, officially opened the 2025 edition of the Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp on Wednesday, calling on participants to become influential storytellers of Nigeria’s maritime sector and blue economy.

Speaking at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos, Rear Admiral Shehu described the facility as more than a center for vessel maintenance—it is a strategic hub where engineering, craftsmanship, and national vision converge to support both military and commercial maritime operations.

In his words, “The maritime industry is a cornerstone of our economy.” Citing its connections to security, shipping, fisheries, tourism, oceanography, oil and gas, and renewable energy. “When creative writing reflects these sectors, it does more than inspire—it educates, attracts investment, promotes trade, and strengthens our global standing.”

He emphasized the power of storytelling to influence policy, drive innovation, and spotlight opportunities within Nigeria’s expansive maritime domain. “You are not here just to write,” he told participants. “You are here to shape perspectives, ignite curiosity, and present the maritime space as a driver of national growth.”

The bootcamp, which includes hands-on workshops and mentorship sessions, offers participants direct engagement with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The theme for this year’s edition is “Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria’s EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy – Stories of Sea Guardians, Trade Routes and Coastal Adventures.”

Taiwo Nolas-Alausa, Head of Faculty for the Maritime Writes Project and Director General of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, encouraged participants to explore the blue economy through literature. He introduced them to the stages of writing—from pre-writing to publishing—and assured that the bootcamp would enhance both their knowledge and writing skills.

Akanbi Williams, Director of the Internal Ocean Institute (IOI) Nigeria, highlighted the importance of storytelling in promoting ocean literacy. He praised the four-year partnership between IOI Nigeria and the Maritime Writes Project, describing the initiative as “laudable.”

Representing the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, NIOMR, Ayaobu Cookey reiterated the blue economy’s status as a national asset that must be fully explored. Meanwhile, Mrs. Funmi Shelika, President of the African Women’s Fish Processors and Traders Network , AWFISHNET, urged participants to amplify the voices of women in small-scale fishing through creative expression.

The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna—represented by Musa Muhammad Auwal—said the bootcamp’s theme aligns with the federal government’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime hub.

Coordinator of the Maritime Writes Project, Ezinne Azunna, shared that the initiative has trained over 200 participants, hosted 18 industry mentors, and published 17 maritime-themed short stories across three compendiums. “Our alumni have gone on to win national and international writing awards,” she noted.

Participants also reflected on the day’s experience. “Today has been nothing short of transformative,” said Barakat Alao. “I’ve gained fresh insight into Nigeria’s blue economy and the power of storytelling to safeguard our maritime heritage.”

Day one featured sessions led by Capt. Sa’id Kabir of NNS KANO, Master Mariner Capt. Caleb Danladi (PhD), and Prof. Adegbite Tobalase, Dean of Arts at Adeleke University, alongside Dr. Nolas-Alausa.

The bootcamp continues throughout the week, with participants expected to produce original works that highlight Nigeria’s maritime potential and cultural heritage.