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In a bid to ensure sustainable development of the next generation of maritime practitioners, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) organised a strategic educative programme for secondary school students in Lagos.
The Children’s Day Blue Talents School to Sea programme was part of the Foundation’s activities to mark the 2025 Children’s Day, with the theme: “An Overview of Supply Chain and Logistics in the Maritime Sector”.
Speaking at the programme, the Special Guest of Honour and former Director of Shipping Development at Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Ogadi Anthony, informed the participating students of their unique privilege to learn about the vast opportunities in the maritime sector before their tertiary education, noting that his knowledge about maritime commenced after his university days.
Ogadi, who is also the Managing Director of Nacet Marine Services Limited, explained that there are career opportunities for science, commercial and arts inclined students in the maritime sector; listing Seafaring, Nautical Engineering, Master Mariners, Maritime Lawyers, Freight Forwarders, Insurance Brokers, Maritime Arts and Exhibitions as some aspects of the sector worth exploring.
“In our elementary school days, there was no discussion about maritime. We also didn’t have many tertiary institutions specialised in the sector. Today, courtesy of special organisations like the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, students can learn about the maritime sector and its numerous opportunities at an early age.
“School to Sea is a global educational concept on career development opportunities in the maritime industry. This initiative is to galvanize young minds of Primary and Secondary Schools on the pathways and exposure to the broad spectrum of the Maritime and Blue Economy. This concept provides the internship and mentorship with maritime professionals,” he said.
The Harbour Master of Lagos Pilotage District, Capt. Olatunde Ola, observed that with 70 percent of the world covered by water, it is pertinent to ensure activities on the marine environment don’t endanger the land and its inhabitants.
Capt. Olatunde, who was represented by Pilot Abiodun Lamide, underscored the significance of the sector as she informed the students that over 80 percent of global trade is carried out through ships.
Pilot Abiodun explained the roles of Harbour Masters in supply chain logistics, stating that “as a senior official appointed by a port authority, the Harbour Master oversees maritime traffic and port operations to ensure smooth, safe, and timely movement of goods through seaports.”
She enumerated core functions of Harbour Master to include; vessel traffic management, safety and security oversight, regulatory compliance to international safety and security treaties like the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, port operational efficiency; among others.
During her presentation, the Director of Operations at A.A Secure Platforms, Mrs. Bilikisu Lawal-Akinbola, harped on maritime security and the need for the protection of the oceans, seas, rivers, and coastal areas from threats that endanger vessels, ports, and the marine environment.
She stressed that maritime security is not only central to safeguarding global trade but also critical to ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations.
“The integration of advanced technologies, robust regulatory frameworks, and proactive leadership is key to maintaining and enhancing our security posture. There must be a collective commitment to continuous improvement and innovation to pave way for sustainable operations,” Bilikisu asserted.
In her welcome remarks, the Founder of OAF, Hon. Olaitan Williams, disclosed that the event was a sequel to an earlier conference which held in April.
She charged the students to maximise the opportunity to learn from maritime veterans, even as she commended the schools and sponsors who continuously prioritise the development of the next generation of leaders.
The event also featured a unique presentation by Shepherd, an all-in-one AI enabled learning assistant, to aid students in self-study and collaborative learning.
Shepherd AI was co-founded by Mr. Kehinde Williams, a son of former General Manager, Legal at Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs. Eniola Williams.
Mr. Arinze Ngonadi, Business Development Manager, Shepherd AI, described Shepherd as a student’s learning co-pilot with a focus on academic integrity.
Also speaking, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, Mrs. Jane Ukil, engaged the students on the roles of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in cargo clearance, trade facilitation, adoption of technology and automation, national security, among others.
After several intriguing questions by the students, the event concluded with a with to ENL seaport terminal in Apapa. Some of the guests included; a former NPA General Manager, Legal, Mrs. Eniola Williams; Managing Partner of Temerity International, Mrs. Temilade Ogunniyi; Group Human Resources Manager, LTT Marine and Coastal Services, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze; among others.
