From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai, a Professor of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University (LASU) has advocated the establishment of Marine University in Nigeria.
Prof. Anetekhai made the advocacy during his Valedictory Lecture titled: “Aquapreneurship: The Pathway to Sustainable Marine and Blue Economy”, which was held at the 3-in-1 Building, Faculty of Education, Main Campus of the institution at Ojo.
He said, “In the whole world, water is much more than land, and we have really abused the land, but the marine environment is still very stable, and then if you have a Marine University, we would be able to train the Aquapreneurs who would be able to train the business men, who are going to operate it. We are going to train the legislature, so that they have Aquapreneurs’ mind, we train the leadership, we train our girls, we train our boys, including the judges, that just pass judgement without understanding the implication of what they are saying.”
Professor anetekhai, going through his 52-page lecture, extensively discussed the making of a Distinguished Professor; Continental Town And Gown Services; aquapreneurship and aquapreneurs; aquapreneurship development; marine and blue economy in Nigeria; the way forward; policy framework and reform strategy; fisheries and aquaculture value chain down-stream; environment value chain; swot analysis of marine and blue economy in Nigeria; implementation strategy for marine and blue economy; government role in sustainable development of marine and blue economy; private sector, public-private sector and civil society roles in the sustainable development of marine and blue economy; the role of marine and blue economy in addressing Nigeria’s unemployment; monitoring and evaluation of marine and blue economy.
Expounding on who are Aquapreneurs, stated that they are Entrepreneurs relying on water to make business, and the process of carrying out his business, managing the business, identifying the business and going through the challenges to make profit is what is called aquapreneurship.
He also advised Government on how it can maximise the potential present in the Blue Economy. “My advice to government concerning the Blue Economy is to move cautiously, do it systematically by starting with developing proper policies, any existing policy that is obsolescent we reform them, after the reform, we now take good and strategic steps to ensure that they are well implemented.
Answering question on how Nigeria can improve on value chain in the marine economy, the Distinguished Professor said, “What you need to do is to analyse your value chain, upstream, midstream and downstream, then do your swot analysis and then find out your strength, your weakness, the threats and opportunities, you pick on the opportunities, that is where the Aquapreneurs come in to identify that opportunity, make sure you capitailse on this to establish your enterprise.”
Prof. Anetekhai recommended, amongst other things, that the marine and blue economy, being a recent creation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, must be guided by a well-informed and all-inclusive policy framework and implementation strategies. He added that entrepreneurship must be developed in the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the marine and blue economy value chain with frictionless, intentionally competitive, and well-articulated start-up funding. While noting that successful implementation requires adequate funding, capacity building, strong political environment, he equally mentioned that monitoring and evaluation must begin right from inception and be continuously done throughout the life of the administration and beyond.
Professor Olatunji-Bello, on her part, averred that the valedictory lectures are momentous occasions that go beyond simple farewell, as they encapsulate lifetime of academic dedication, mentorship and contributions, leaving lasting impact on the academic community…”hence, today’s historic occasion not only celebrates the academic achievements of our very own Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai from the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, but also, signifies the collective dedication to knowledge and academic excellence within our University. Today, We are privileged to witness a profound sharing of wisdom and insights from a distinguished scholar”, she said.
The Vice Chancellor further stated that Prof. Anetekhai’s contributions to the academic community have been exemplary, shaping the intellectual landscape of the 40-year old institution, adding that his dedication to the field of Fisheries has not only elevated Lagos State University’s academic standing but has also significantly contributed to the broader scientific community.
Good will messages were delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and current Chairman, Lagos State Research Innovation Council (LASRIC), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, former Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, and a Distinguished Prof. at Lagos State University, Distinguished Prof. Dapo Folorunsho Asaju and Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Shehu Latunji Akintola.
