Lagos:  The Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Ltd., Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shehu, has urged storytellers to project Nigeria’s maritime narrative globally through maritime literature.

Shehu made the call during the opening of the 5th Creative Maritime Writers Bootcamp Project at the Naval Dockyard Ltd., Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday.

(From seventh left,the Coordinator of Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp, Mrs Ezinne Azunna,among others at the official opening of the programme of the 5th Creative Maritime Writes Bootcamp Project at the Naval Dockyard Ltd., Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday.)

He said the Dockyard is not just a ship maintenance and construction hub, but also a nerve centre safeguarding maritime security and advancing Nigeria’s shipping industry.

Shehu encouraged the 60 participants to approach the craft with “focus, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility.

“This is not just about ships and steel. It is about ideas, expression, and the power of words to shape perceptions,” he said.

The Rear Admiral added that published works could help Nigeria compete more favourably among the world’s leading maritime nations.

He described the blue economy as a strategic pillar linked to security, fisheries, oceanography, tourism, oil and gas, renewable energy, and port logistics.

“When creative writing reflects these sectors, it inspires, educates, promotes trade, and strengthens national identity.

“Well-crafted narratives can influence decision-makers, spotlight growth opportunities, and drive innovation in the sector.

“Your pen is as critical to the sector’s future as any vessel in our Navy fleet,” Shehu told the writers.

He urged participants to observe keenly during their guided tour of maritime facilities to understand operational realities, sectoral challenges, and investment opportunities.

Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna, represented by Head of Library, Musa Muhammad-Auwal, commended the organisers.

Okonna said the theme ‘Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria’s EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy’ aligned with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy’s vision.

He noted that the project anchors heritage and sets new horizons, stressing that the maritime sector thrives on ideas, knowledge, and the written word.

“Through initiatives like this, stories of seafarers, innovations in shipping, and the struggles and triumphs of maritime professionals are documented for posterity,” Okonna said.

Coordinator of the Bootcamp, Mrs Ezinne Azunna, said participants would refine their craft and interact directly with industry leaders shaping Nigeria’s maritime future.

Azunna disclosed that the project began with a conviction that fiction influences global understanding of the sea.

She said the bootcamp aimed to grow published maritime fiction, which currently forms only one per cent of African fiction.

Since inception, over 200 people have been trained, with 18 captains of industry and seven faculty members guiding the programme.

She added that the bootcamp, largely free for participants, has explored themes from seaports and climate change to maritime heritage and marine pollution.

At least three alumni have won national and international awards, attributing part of their success to the programme.

Seventeen maritime-themed short stories have been published across three compendiums authored by participants, alongside cultural tours to Bonny Island and Osun-Osogbo Grove.

The ceremony was attended by several maritime personalities, including Chief Christopher Botha, Mr Olaitan Williams, Mrs Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Mr Bukar Kaumi, Mrs Funmi Shelika, and Mr Godfrey Bivbere.