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President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, and President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, have called for stronger professional journalism and greater women’s leadership as Nigeria seeks to unlock the full potential of its maritime and blue economy.
Speaking at the 4th Annual Maritime Lecture of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Anishere stressed the importance of an informed and independent maritime press in promoting accountability, transparency and sound policy discourse, while Ani urged industry and government to move beyond inclusion by creating pathways for women to lead and influence decisions across the maritime sector.
Represented at the event by Mrs Oyeyemi Jimi-Salami, the MAAN President said MARAN had distinguished itself through responsible reportage and its continued engagement with issues affecting the maritime industry.
She described the annual lecture as an important platform for industry stakeholders to examine emerging challenges, exchange ideas and develop practical solutions for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to Anishere, the need for an informed and independent maritime media has become even more important as Nigeria seeks to unlock the economic opportunities of the Blue Economy.
She noted that while sound policies and effective regulation were essential to a vibrant maritime sector, the industry also requires a knowledgeable maritime press capable of informing the public, promoting transparency and holding stakeholders accountable.
Anishere urged MARAN to continue using its platform to promote accountability, innovation and sustainable growth across the maritime industry, stressing that credible journalism remains important to building confidence and supporting informed decision-making.
WISTA Nigeria President, Ani, stressed that women must move beyond inclusion to take on greater roles in decision-making and industry transformation.
She assured that WISTA Nigeria would intensify mentorship, networking, advocacy and leadership initiatives to equip women to even as she urged government and industry players to recruit, retain, promote and sponsor qualified women while adopting inclusive policies and measuring progress.
Ani also called for concerted efforts to dismantle discrimination, unequal access and unsafe workplace practices, while urging male allies to mentor, sponsor and advocate for women.
According to her, women are not passengers in maritime development but are essential drivers of innovation, leadership and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
