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The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria has re-elected its president, Dr. Odunayo Ani, alongside other members of the executive committee, as the association sets its sights on hosting the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference in June 2026.
The re-election, which took place during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on April 30 in Lagos, signals a renewed mandate for the leadership team following what members described as a productive first term marked by institutional growth, strategic partnerships, and increased global engagement.
Dr. Ani, who serves as Director of Finance at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, will continue to lead the association alongside a team of professionals drawn from key institutions across the maritime and logistics value chain.
The executive team includes; Captain Edidiong Akpanebe-Sola Obalo, Vice President and Marine Coordinator/Pilot at Renaissance African Energy Company; Lillian Nneji, General Secretary and Assistant Director, Reform Coordination, Strategic Management and Blue Economy at NIMASA; Hannah Adaba, Treasurer and Deputy Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Public Relations Officer and Director General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping; Toyin Oyeleke, Assistant General Secretary, freight forwarder and Managing Director of Estymuels Integrated Services Limited; and Aisha Cole, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Editor at the News Agency of Nigeria.
Speaking at the AGM, Ani highlighted key achievements recorded during her first tenure, including strengthened collaboration with WISTA International, which has boosted the participation of Nigerian members in global committees.
She also noted the association’s continued support for women in coastal communities and the successful celebration of WISTA Nigeria’s 30th anniversary, attributing the milestones to the contributions of past presidents and senior members of the association.
Looking ahead, Ani said the association’s immediate focus would be on delivering a successful Africa Regional Conference scheduled for June 25 and 26, 2026, at the Eko Hotel & Suites.
The conference is expected to bring together maritime stakeholders from across the continent to discuss policy direction, industry developments, and the evolving role of women in the sector.
“We are humbled by the confidence reposed in us,” Ani said. “Our focus over the next two years remains on elevating the profile of women in the maritime industry and strengthening WISTA Nigeria’s position as a platform for professional excellence.”
WISTA Nigeria, a national chapter of WISTA International, is a professional body for women in management positions across the maritime, trading, and logistics sectors, with a focus on networking, capacity development, and gender inclusion.
