IMO Women in Maritime Day: NIMASA celebrates Nigerian women stakeholders
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, during the 2024 commemoration of the International Day for Women in Maritime in Lagos, commended the contributions of Nigerian women to the development of the maritime sector.
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.
The International Day for Women in Maritime is a significant day established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of women across various sectors of the maritime industry.
Dr. 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.
“Let me seize this opportunity to recognise 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,” he said.
“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,” Mobereola added.
Earlier in her presentation, Mrs. Olamide Odusanya, the Director of Financial Services at NIMASA, 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” emphasised that safety transcends gender. Therefore, women must cultivate competence through proper education, expertise, and mutual support to uplift one another.
Dr. Odunayo Ani the President of the Women International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Mrs Rollens MacFoy, President of African Women in Maritime, Nigeria chapter, Princess Margaret Inam of Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), Barrister Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore the National President of Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) and Hon. Olaitan Williams, President Ocean Ambassadors Foundation all delivered goodwill messages at the event.
The event culminated with the official inauguration of the WIMOWCA Nigeria chapter by the DG NIMASA.
