ABOUT - Warri Blue Economy Development Initiative

ABOUT US

About The Initiative

Mission

To provide a one stop destination for the blue economy industries. To promote sustainable blue economy development in Warri Kingdom with special reference to coastal communities across the Niger Delta region. Encouraging innovations in every aspect of the prospects in the blue economy environment. Ensuring environmental protection and inclusive economic growth within the marine and aquatic ecosystem.

Vision

A resilient Niger Delta where marine and coastal resources are sustainably managed, creating lasting prosperity for coastal communities while protecting biodiversity for future generations.

Our Objectives

Promote sustainable blue economy development through responsible utilisation of marine, coastal, and aquatic resources.

Organise and institutionalise programmes, seminars, conferences, and summits, including the flagship Warri Blue Economy Summit.

Encourage research, innovation, and technology development in fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, marine biotechnology, eco-tourism, renewable energy, and related sectors.

Promote environmental sustainability and conservation, including mangrove protection, biodiversity preservation, pollution reduction, and climate change adaptation.

Facilitate partnerships with government, private sector, development partners, academia, and civil society.

Promote capacity building and skills development for youth, women, entrepreneurs, and coastal communities.

Support investment promotion, enterprise development, and job creation in blue economy value chains.

Undertake research, produce reports, and disseminate information for informed decision-making.

Carry out public awareness campaigns and community engagement for responsible marine practices.

The Organisers

Chief Dame (Mrs) Ebiyemi Omatseye

Executive Chairman

Mayuku Omabuwa Eric

Executive Secretary

Barr. (Mrs) Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore

Legal Adviser

Mr. Henry Erikowa

Research and Development

Eyayo Faith

IT/Innovation

About The Summit

ABOUT WABES 2026

The Warri Blue Economy Summit (WABES) 2026 is organised by the Palace of the Olu of Warri through the Warri Blue Economy Development Initiatives in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Delta State Government, to promote sustainable coastal and marine development across Warri and the Niger Delta region.

WABES 2026 brings together policymakers, investors, industry leaders, innovators, environmental experts, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to unlock opportunities within the blue economy through investment, innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 9, 13, 14, and 17) and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy policy framework, the summit is committed to driving economic growth, environmental sustainability, job creation, and shared prosperity in coastal and riverine communities.

More than just a conference, WABES 2026 is a movement for action, collaboration, and regional transformation creating practical solutions and partnerships that will shape the future of marine and coastal development in Nigeria.

Theme
“Harnessing Our Blue Wealth for Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity.”

About The Kingbom

Warri Kingdom, being the homeland of the Itsekiri people(rich in human capital, culture and environmentally blessed) stretches across strategic coastal corridors in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West. From the Ocean shores at Ugborodo(which host the Escravos terminal), Ago, Orere, Bateren, Ogheye, etc., down through beautiful islands and communities along the Warri and Benin rivers. These sit at a critical intersection of maritime trade routes, fisheries resources, mangrove ecosystems, and coastal enterprise potential, especially the Koko Export Processing Zone and the Warri Seaport.

We are opening our coastal communities including Ugborodo (Escravos) and Koko to structured, investable partnerships across fisheries, eco-tourism, renewable energy, waste management, ship building and maritime careers.

“I rode a scooter to market my communities, to show to people that there are access roads and lands for investments.

Regardless of where you have lived around the world and what you own, our communities are open and can accommodate you.”— Olu of Warri calls for investors to invest in Warri Islands.

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