NIMASA DG hails Nigerian women contributions in Maritime

cover, General News

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has celebrated women in maritime as the Director General of the Agency, Doctor Dayo Mobereola, commended the contributions of Nigerian women to the development of the maritime sector.

The event held in Lagos was in commemoration of the International Day for Women in Maritime.

Associations that participated in the event with the theme “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety” included the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), Women in Maritime (WIMA), Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), and Women in Maritime West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), among others.

L-R: Nneka Obianyor, Special Adviser (Technical) to the Director-General; Rakiya Lamai, Head of SERVICOM; Chris Amakulo, Director of Shipping Development; Gloria Anyasodo, Coordinator of the Western Zone; Jibril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, representing the Director-General of NIMASA; Dr. Odunayo Ani, Head of Internal Audit; Jide Owonubi, Head of Reform Coordination and Strategic Management; Navy Commander Salihu Ibrahim, representing the Maritime Guard Commander; and Olamide Odusanya, Director of Financial Services, were present during NIMASA’s commemoration of the International Day for Women in Maritime.

The International Day for Women in Maritime is a significant day established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of women across various sectors of the Maritime Industry.

Mobereola, who was represented by the Agency’s Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, informed the audience, comprising various women’s groups in the maritime industry, that the Agency appreciates the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

He said: “Let me seize this opportunity to recognise and applaud the incredible achievements of women in maritime.

L-R: Hon. Olaitan Williams, President of Ocean Ambassadors Foundation; Adaora Nwonu, WIMOWCA Nigeria ExCo; Nneka Obianyor, WIMOWCA Nigeria Secretary General; Mrs. Rollens MacFoy, President of WIMA-Nigeria; Barr. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, President of WIMOWCA Nigeria; Jibril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, representing the DG of NIMASA; Princess Margaret Inam of WILAT; Dr. Odunayo Ani, President of WISTA Nigeria; Juliana Saka of Nigeria Shippers Council, Vivian Chimezie, DG of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping; Obiageli Benjamin, Assistant Secretary of WIMA Nigeria; and Jennifer Eneh, DD Cabotage Registration NIMASA, cutting the cake during NIMASA’s celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime at NIMASA Maritime House, Apapa, Lagos.

“From seafarers and ship captains to engineers and port operators, as well as maritime professionals and trailblazers, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the Maritime Industry and driving innovation and progress.

“Their dedication, resilience, and expertise have not only enriched our industry but also inspire a future generation of women to pursue careers in maritime.

“To all the women in maritime: your contributions are vital, your voices are heard, and your achievements inspire us all.

“Together, we can harness the nation’s blue economy to build a more sustainable and prosperous Maritime Industry that benefits us all.

“Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to a more inclusive maritime community.”

Earlier in her presentation, the Director of Financial Services at NIMASA, Mrs. Olamide Odusanya, appreciated the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for creating an inclusive and supportive environment to recognise women in maritime, in line with the provisions of Sustainable Development Goal 5, which is Gender Equality.

Her words: “It is clear the pivotal role of women in the Maritime Industry. Closing the gender gap, which is the SDG 5- Gender Equality, has been an internal quest of women folks since the industrial revolution, and one significant achievement has been made; we still have a long way towards achieving relative parity.”

A paper presented by Mrs. Gloria Anyasodo on “Emerging Trends: Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety and Opportunities for Women” emphasised that safety transcends gender.

“Therefore, women must cultivate competence through proper education, expertise, and mutual support to uplift one another,” she said.

The President of WISTA Nigeria, Doctor Odunayo Ani, President of African Women in Maritime, Nigeria chapter, Mrs. Rollens MacFoy, Princess Margaret Inam of Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), the National President of Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), Barrister Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, and President Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, Olaitan Williams, all delivered goodwill messages at the event.

The event culminated with the official inauguration of the WIMOWCA Nigeria chapter by the Director General of NIMASA.