Activities started already on 3 June, 2024 and extended to 8 June, World Ocean Day itself, all inspired by this year’s UN motto. To commemorate this year’s World Ocean Day, Mundus maris asbl, in collaboration with Aquaworld, hosted a significant event in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The event was notable for the participation of The Millennium Group of Schools in Akure for the first time, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. The theme for this year’s event was „Awaken the New Depth,“ aimed at raising awareness about global issues impacting our ocean and ourselves.

As the UN was saying: „We don’t have time for „out of sight out of mind.“ If the world is numb to numbers, motivating momentum will require opening minds, igniting senses, and inspiring possibilities to protect our planet’s beating heart. We need to awaken new depths within our own.“

The day’s program on 3 June featured educational lectures, an ocean-themed quiz, and artistic activities including ‚The World Ocean Palette,‘ which involved drawing and painting. These activities were designed to enlighten participants about the impact of human activities on the ocean and to showcase the ocean’s aesthetic beauty.

Dr. Adeleke Mosunmola Lydia from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), representing Mundus maris asbl in Nigeria, led volunteers, guests, and students to a site known for plastic pollution. This activity emphasized the importance of ocean conservation efforts, focusing on plastic upscaling.

The program began at 9:10 am with registration, followed by an introduction by Mr. Oluwatobi from Aquaworld, highlighting the significance of the event. Discussions on plastic pollution and the 4’R approach (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) were conducted, encouraging participants to advocate for ocean well-being.

The official start of the event at 10:00 am included an opening prayer and the introduction of guests by Dr. Lydia Adeleke, who spoke about the mission and vision of Mundus maris asbl. She highlighted the commitment and contributions of the organization’s President, Dr. Cornelia E Nauen, and Vice President, Prof. Stella Williams, and encouraged students to become agents of change. Prof. O.A. Fagbenro (FUTA) also extended his goodwill message.

Mr. Paul Eweola, founder of Aquaworld, represented by Mr. Oluwatobi Aladekoye, emphasized the importance of ocean conservation, and shared his organization’s ongoing efforts to combat marine pollution. Prof. I. A. Ajibefun (Founder: Millennium Group of Schools, Akure) in his speech urged students and participants to learn and act to protect the ocean.

The first lecture, titled „Awaken New Depth,“ was delivered by Dr. Israel Oke from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, FUTA. He discussed the ocean’s uniqueness and its benefits to humanity. The second lecture, „All About the Ocean,“ by Mr. Oladele Timothy T. from the same Department, focused on the ocean’s attributes and its vital role in serving mankind.

Following the lectures, students engaged in various activities based on their interests and class levels, including drawing, painting, and an ocean-themed quiz, providing an interactive and educational experience. Judges Dr. Wole-Alo (FUTA) and Mr. Ajakaye (Staff Secondary School, FUTA) selected winners for the drawing, painting, and quiz competitions, who were then awarded prizes.

Mundus maris asbl also handed over their Teaching and Pupils Workbook Kits on the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries to selected schools, including Staff Secondary School, FUTA; Millennium Group of Schools in Akure; and Higher Heights International Group of Schools. A total of 90 Pupils Workbooks and 3 Teaching Manuals were presented by Dr. Lydia.

Registered participants: 100 students, but attendance reached up to 150!

After the indoor session, participants visited a site near FUTA South Gate known for its plastic pollution, where they discussed practical solutions to mitigate environmental impacts. This site visit highlighted the reduction in plastic pollution due to awareness efforts by Mundus maris and Aquaworld.

The event concluded with a closing address by Dr. Lydia, who expressed gratitude to all supporters and participants, encouraging them to continue advocating for ocean conservation. The program ended with a group photo at the site, marking the conclusion of the 2024 Mundus maris World Ocean Day celebration in Akure, shortly after 1 pm.

Happy World Ocean Day 2024!