Voyages Through Chokepoints: Maritime Writes Project 2026 Opens at Lagos Port
The bustling halls of the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa came alive on August 12, 2026, as maritime captains, scholars, literary figures, and emerging storytellers gathered for the official opening of the 6th Maritime Writes Project (MWP) Creative Writing Bootcamp. Designed to bridge the gap between maritime operational realities and creative literature, the three-day flagship initiative uses storytelling to deepen public understanding of ocean transportation, global shipping corridors, and coastal culture.
Empowering Maritime Storytellers Through Experiential Learning
Following a competitive selection process, 50 participants were chosen after submitting original short stories exploring voyages through global trade routes and strategic maritime chokepoints. The bootcamp caters to two age categories: Maritime Writes Junior for children aged 6 to 13, and Maritime Writes Senior for writers aged 14 to 60.
According to Convener and Project Coordinator Ezinne Azunna, the programme combines intensive writing masterclasses, peer mentorship, and direct interactions with veteran maritime professionals. A key highlight of the experiential curriculum includes a guided tour of the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, giving participants an immersive, first-hand view of naval operations and ship maintenance. Beyond receiving certificates, the authors of the top 10 stories will have their works published in the prestigious Maritime Writes Anthology.
Headlining Industry Heavyweights and Distinguished Faculty
The 2026 bootcamp brings together an extraordinary lineup of industry leaders and academic faculty. The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Debo Lawal, Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex under the Nigerian Ports Authority. Joining him as headline speakers are Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, Senior Partner at Akabogu & Associates, and Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director of Operations and Technical at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The distinguished teaching faculty is led by Prof. Adegbite Tobalase, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Adeleke University. Other key figures contributing to the mentorship sessions include Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, Director of Reforms Coordination & Blue Economy at NIMASA; Capt. Marvin Omovbude, Harbour Master for the Lagos Pilotage District; veteran journalist Mr. Oji Onoko; Dr. Akanbi Williams of the International Ocean Institute-Nigeria; Madam Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Director General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping; linguist Madam Ifeoma Nwagbogu; and Master Mariner Capt. Oluwasegun Akanbi.
Exploring Ocean Heritage, Global Trade Routes, and Human Experience
Curated around the theme “Voyages Through Chokepoints: Power, Passage and Lives at Sea,” this year’s edition encourages participants to humanize the global shipping ecosystem. The submitted narratives focus on seafarer experiences, coastal community life, maritime adventure, conflict resolution, and the historical evolution of sea trade.
By blending technical industry knowledge with creative expression, the Maritime Writes Project continues to build a sustainable literary platform. Through mentorship and real-world exposure, the project equips a new generation of Nigerian writers to tell compelling stories that highlight the vital role of ocean trade, marine conservation, and the Blue Economy.
