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In a bid to deepen inclusivity in the nation’s maritime sector and other science disciplines, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, and the Chairperson, Health Advocacy Committee at the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), Ekanem Adegbite, have called on young girls to pursue careers in the maritime industry.
Describing it as one of the most promising and dynamic sectors for women in Nigeria’s evolving economy, they made this appeal during a strategic summit organized by UNAN in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Dokunmu-Adegbite, emphasized that women should not shy away from careers traditionally dominated by men, such as shipping, seafaring, and marine engineering.
“In the maritime sector, women shouldn’t run from anything. Leadership is not just a title – it’s a way of life and an opportunity to encourage others. There are prospects in this maritime field, both onshore and offshore. Once there is adequate protection and safety, which we now see more clearly in Nigeria, young girls should seize the opportunity and make their mark,” the Permanent Secretary said.
She added that the Lagos State Government continues to champion empowerment and education for all, ensuring that girls have equal access to opportunities across all professions.
According to her, Lagos remains committed to providing the foundation that enables every child, regardless of gender, to dream big and thrive in any sector of choice, including the maritime industry.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Health Advocacy Committee, UNAN, Ekanem Adeleke, emphasized the urgent need to increase the participation of Nigerian girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), including emerging opportunities in the maritime industry.
Adeleke noted that many young girls in Nigeria are often steered toward art-based vocations, leaving them underrepresented in science and technical fields that shape the modern economy.
She stated that UNAN’s current focus is to empower girls through practical initiatives such as coding classes and STEM education programmes, aimed at inspiring future engineers, scientists, and technologists.
According to her, these interventions are designed to bridge the gender gap in technical disciplines and prepare girls to contribute meaningfully to sectors like maritime logistics, digital innovation, and blue economy development.
Adeleke maintained that breaking gender stereotypes is critical to positioning girls for leadership in these fields.
Her words: “We want girls who aspire to become engineers, mathematicians, and scientists to see a place for themselves in industries like maritime, which are often male-dominated. Through coding and digital literacy, we are nurturing curiosity and innovation among young girls who will drive Nigeria’s future competitiveness.”
Calling for stronger collaboration, she appealed to the United Nations system, private sector, and government agencies to invest in tools and partnerships that enable girls to learn and lead.
“We can’t do it alone. Whether it is through donations of laptops for coding classes or amplifying our initiatives, every contribution counts. The girls of today must be equipped to thrive in the STEM-driven and maritime-linked economies of tomorrow,” Adeleke posited.
