Maritime Writes 2026: Akabogu, Enisuoh, Others to Lead Creative Writing Bootcamp
…as Lagos Port Complex, NPA host 6th edition
Kathy Kyari
Maritime industry leaders, including Senior Partner at Akabogu & Associates and Convener of African Downstream Energy Week, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, and Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, are set to headline the 6th edition of the Maritime Writes Project (MWP) Creative Writing Bootcamp.
The three-day programme, which opens today, Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, is being hosted by the Lagos Port Complex and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The 2026 bootcamp, themed “Voyages Through Chokepoints: Power, Passage and Lives at Sea,” is designed to bring together maritime professionals, academics, writers and young storytellers to explore the maritime industry through creative writing, mentorship and experiential learning.
The programme is expected to focus attention on the strategic importance of global maritime chokepoints, trade corridors and shipping routes, while examining the human stories behind ocean transportation.
Convener and Project Coordinator, Ezinne Azunna, said the initiative would use storytelling to deepen participants’ understanding of the maritime sector and its wider social, economic and historical significance.
According to her, 50 participants were selected after submitting original short stories of between 4,000 and 5,000 words based on voyages to or from any Nigerian port through a global maritime chokepoint or major sea trade route.
The selected stories are expected to explore themes including coastal communities, maritime culture, seafarers’ experiences, maritime adventure, trade, ocean heritage and the historical dimensions of the industry, while demonstrating compelling conflict and resolution.
The opening ceremony will be chaired by the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Mr. Debo Lawal, who is also among the industry leaders scheduled to headline the programme.
Other members of the faculty and speakers include Prof. Adegbite Tobalase, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adeleke University and Head of Faculty, Maritime Writes Project; Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, Director, Reforms Coordination & Blue Economy and former Registrar of Ships, NIMASA; Capt. Marvin Omovbude, Harbour Master, Lagos Pilotage District, NPA; and veteran journalist and former Deputy Editor of ThisDay newspaper, Mr. Oji Onoko.
Also expected are Dr. Akanbi Williams, Director, International Ocean Institute-Nigeria; maritime expert and linguist, Madam Ifeoma Nwagbogu; Director-General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Madam Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; and Master Mariner and President, MAPROD, Capt. Oluwasegun Akanbi.
Beyond the writing sessions, the bootcamp will feature intensive masterclasses, mentorship sessions and interactions with maritime professionals, alongside experiential activities aimed at giving participants practical exposure to the industry.
A major highlight of the programme will be a guided tour of the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos, offering participants first-hand exposure to a major naval and maritime facility.
The bootcamp is structured into two categories: Maritime Writes Junior, for children aged 6 to 13, and Maritime Writes Senior, for participants aged 14 to 60.
Azunna said successful participants would receive certificates, while 10 outstanding stories would be selected for publication in the Maritime Writes Anthology.
“Successful participants will receive certificates, while 10 outstanding stories will be selected for publication in the Maritime Writes Anthology, giving emerging writers an opportunity to reach a wider audience and contribute to Nigeria’s growing maritime literary culture,” she said.
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