- Nigeria’s maritime sector needs younger generation – Jime
Olasubomi Abodunrin, from Corona School, has bagged the top prize with 95 percent score in the just-concluded 4th National Marine and Blue Economy Quiz organized by Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF).
The second position was clinched by Kosisochukwu Nwodo and third place by Olukayode Ogunmoroti, both from Dowen College accruing 93 percent and 92 percent scores respectively.
Announcing the results, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime described the winner’s 95 percent score as a distinction, even as he commended OAF for the virtual contest organized in commemoration of 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
The NSC boss stressed that the initiative motivated the Council in assisting the foundation because they believe in the foundation’s objective of letting young ones participate in the maritime space.
According to Jime, the industry is quite strategic for the economy of the nation, hence, the need to have full participation of all citizens, especially the younger generation.
“Maritime space which is the blue economy will provide opportunities for employment for the younger ones and so I congratulate everyone that participated in the quiz competition,” the NSC Executive Secretary stated.
Earlier, Dr Ajoke Yusuf, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Education District VI, congratulated the participants for getting to the final stage.
“Your trajectory to this finals is clear indication that planning and hardwork can bring you this far. All of you have attained 85 percent and above. I celebrate you as successful people already. There are numerous opportunities in the maritime sector and I wish you all the best even as I reassure you that you are set on a part for success”
“I’m delighted to be part of this programme especially noting that 1780 participants were trimmed to 278 and 54 have moved the finals today,” she said.
Several beneficiaries of OAF programmes took turns to especially their gainful exploits having enhanced their careers with scholarships from leading maritime agencies.
Mustapha Fawas, a beneficiary of scholarship from Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Felix Okoli a beneficiary of NIMASA’s Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), called in from India.
Miss Benita Saka, the 2018 winner who was on internship at NIMASA appreciated the foundation for the opportunity and described the competition as an eye opener for her; even as Lydia, who also got NPA scholarship through OAF programmes, shared her testimony.
Earlier, Mrs Violet Williams, President OAF, appreciated the classroom teachers who she described as dream actualizers, as without them the quiz competition would not be a success.
“1780 participants came on board which was reduced to 278, then 55 and now the three winners that have emerged, it was not an easy task and the kudos goes to the dream actualisers. The participants had 80 percent girls and 20 percent boys and this is to pop the girls to come up and have positions in the sector dominated by the male,” she explained.