The 2025 edition of the Maritime Writes Project (MWP) Creative Writing Bootcamp will commence with 60 participants drawn from those who submitted entries.
The Project Coordinator for MWP, Ezinne Azunna, who disclosed this in a press statement on Wednesday, said the grand opening ceremony would be flagged off by the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, with key stakeholders from various interest groups expected to grace the occasion.
Her words: “This year, we would train about 25 children in Junior category and about 40 in Senior category. Participants were drawn after an entry selection phase from the general public, various schools, the media and from organisations in the maritime sector.
“Entry essays and illustrations for Junior Category and Senior Category respectively focused on “My Blue Economy” in which the applicants described their understanding of the Blue Economy. While entry submission is to end on August 6, 2025, the Bootcamp will kick off at the Naval Dockyard from August 13 and end on August 16, 2025 with a tour of the Naval Dockyard as well as a Naval Ship.”
She asserted that the exposure will submerge the budding writers in an experience with the Maritime /Maritime/Blue Economy sectors and inspire them to write thrilling fictions on the sector.
Ezinne noted that at the event themed: “Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria’s EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy -Stories of Sea Guardians, Trade Routes, and Coastal Adventures,” participants will have a firsthand interaction with two captains of warships, a captain of an LNG/Merchant vessel, a ship designer and critical other stakeholders in securing the waters.
Giving a breakdown of the 5th edition of the Creative Writing Bootcamp, she listed the Maritime Writes Junior (Ages 7-13): Storytelling Using Illustration. Wednesday, August 13- Thursday, August 14, 2025, 9am -2pm daily. The Maritime Writes Senior (Ages 14-60): Creative Writing Training. Wednesday, August 13- Friday, August 14, 2025, 9am -5.30pm daily.
Maritime Writes Tours (15 and above): Tour of the Naval Dockyard, a Naval Ship at Apapa, etc. Saturday, August 16, 2025 9am-3pm
“As usual, besides the Faculty drawn from the Academic in Nigeria, we are partnering with and drawing Industry Mentors from organisations like the Naval Dockyard, Lagos, Western Naval Command, International Ocean Institute, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, United Nations Blue Schools Network, Africa Women’s Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN) etc to ensure participants have a rounded remarkable experience.
“Having children from Public Schools from the coastal enclave in Makoko participate this year is an experience we are looking forward to. Recall that in November 2024 we unveiled 3 books comprising 17 short stories focused on the Marine & Blue Economy written by participants in the Maritime Writes Project. The books are titled; Three Dreams & a Beach and other Maritime Short Stories; The Surfer in Me and other Maritime Short Stories; and The Water Guard and other Maritime Stories,” she said.
