Godsent Ogbebor
Nigeria’s Blue Economy Vision Relies on Youth Engagement, Says Presidential Aide
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has highlighted the crucial role young Nigerians will play in the success of the administration’s blue economy vision, which focuses on growth, job creation, and enhancing global competitiveness.
Olusegun made the remarks in Abuja during a media briefing ahead of the Blue Economy Investment Summit scheduled for Lagos from March 9 to 11, 2026. He emphasised that effective governance in the digital era requires compelling storytelling and public engagement, noting that policies cannot thrive if citizens, especially the youth, feel disconnected from them.
“The President’s vision for the blue economy is about growth, jobs, and global competitiveness, but that vision will only grow if Nigerians, especially young Nigerians, understand it and see themselves in it,” he said.
He stressed that the media and digital communities are vital in driving this vision forward. “We are not spectators in this journey; we are partners. Together, we can make the new economy something Nigerians don’t just hear about, but believe in and actively participate in,” Olusegun added.
Describing the blue economy as one of Nigeria’s most untapped opportunities, Olusegun noted that poor communication has led to a disconnect between policy formulation and public understanding. “The blue economy is one of the most exciting opportunities Nigeria has right now, but many Nigerians hear the term and tune out. It sounds big, technical and distant from daily reality. My job is to bridge that gap, turn serious policies into conversations people care about, understand, and share,” he explained.
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Olusegun also mentioned that the Tinubu administration is strategically using digital platforms to engage with Nigeria’s young population, which makes up over 70% of the country’s demographic. He acknowledged that young people are not averse to information but are turned off by dull or overly technical content. “Young people do not hate information; they hate boring information. Our attention span is about 30 seconds. Instead of big grammar, show a short video of how goods move faster at the ports or a young Nigerian explaining logistics in 30 seconds,” he said.
The presidential aide further revealed that President Tinubu holds weekly briefings with his media team to review public feedback on government policies. He stressed that the administration is open to addressing mistakes when valid concerns are raised. “One thing about this administration is that it is not afraid to make mistakes or correct them. Valid complaints are escalated to the President, and policies are reviewed where necessary,” Olusegun stated.
He called for greater collaboration with influencers and content creators, urging them to be seen as partners in governance rather than mere amplifiers of official messages. “This is not about propaganda; it is about participation,” he said, adding that content creators are trusted voices capable of explaining policies in relatable and indigenous languages to grassroots audiences.
Olusegun also urged stakeholders to highlight the numerous yet largely unknown career opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector, noting that youth unemployment could be reduced if the sector is demystified and made more attractive. “If we want this vision to outlive us, we must train the next generation and show them how the blue economy puts food on the table and creates careers,” he concluded.
At the event, Princess Ronke Kosoko, the CEO of Maritime Innovations Hub, shared that the organisation aims to serve as a one-stop platform for maritime innovation, policy advocacy, education, and youth empowerment. She explained that the hub’s goal is to connect stakeholders across the maritime value chain, support MSMEs, promote inclusive growth, and reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry as a key driver of national economic development.
