The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola has hailed women for the strides they have made in the maritime industry over the years.
He specifically commended them for their contributions to the sustainable development of the maritime sector of the economy just as he reiterated that NIMASA appreciates their inputs.
Mobereola stated this at the weekend during the 2024 commemoration of the International Day for Women in Maritime in Lagos.
The celebration of this year International Day for Women in Maritime with the theme “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety” attracted many women organisations.
These include Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Women in Maritime (WIMA), Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), and Women in Maritime West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA).
The International Day for Women in Maritime is a significant day established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to honor 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, 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.
His words: “Let me seize this opportunity to recognize and applaud the incredible achievements of women in maritime. 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”.
NIMASA Director of Financial Services, Mrs. Olamide Odusanya had earlier in her presentation appreciated the IMO for creating an inclusive and supportive environment to recognize 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” emphasized that safety transcends gender. Therefore, women must cultivate competence through proper education, expertise, and mutual support to uplift one another.
Goodwill messages were presented by the various women associations to mark the day. These include the President of WISTA, Dr. Odunayo Ani; President of African Women in Maritime, Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Rollens MacFoy; President, WiLAT, Princess Margaret Inam; National President, WIMOWCA, Barrister Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore and the President Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, Hon. Olaitan Williams.
The high point of the celebration was the official inauguration of WIMOWCA, Nigeria chapter by Abba on behalf of Mobereola.
