- Former WISTA International President ‘Despina’ to receive IMO award
As part of activities to commemorate the 2024 day for women in maritime by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) hosted women groups at its Apapa office on Friday.
The event, which had a rich representation of women players, was graced by female maritime lawyers, female maritime journalists, women operators in ship chandling, female seafarers, women freight forwarders, female manning agents, among others.
Speaking at the event, the President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Odunayo Ani, noted that WISTA enjoys consultative status with the IMO, while expressing delight as a former President of the WISTA International, Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, has been selected as the recipient of the first-ever IMO Gender Equality Award.
Dr. Ani also disclosed that Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta of India, will be getting a special recognition award from the IMO for her contributions to the founding of WISTA national chapters in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Georgia and Malaysia; her roles in Diversity Committees within WISTA International and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS); and her work at the helm of Maritime SheEO, which works with organizations to create a level playing field for women to raise to leadership positions.
Her words: “WISTA Nigeria would like to express our deepest gratitude to the IMO for reserving this day, 18th May 2024 to celebrate all women in the maritime industry around the world. We also appreciate immensely, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his unwavering support, dedication, generosity and commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This, in so short a time, is impacting our lives significantly.”
“We are indeed delighted to share that WISTA International has recently launched an online learning platform in a partnership with Ocean Technologies Group, a leading provider of Human Capital Management solutions for the maritime sector.”
Ani, who is also a Deputy Director at NIMASA/ Head of Internal Audit, remarked that WISTA Nigeria is the 1st and remains the oldest maritime women association in the nation as it provides in-country, regional, continental, and global networking, business and skill-building opportunities, corporate visibility, as well as facilitate relationships within the industry.
Representing the Director General of NIMASA, at the event themed: theme “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety”, the Executive Director of Maritime and Labour Services, Mr. Jubril Abba delivered a powerful address emphasizing the vital contributions of women in the maritime industry and the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse sector.
The NIMASA boss outlined the significant strides women have made in maritime professions, highlighting their roles as seafarers, ship captains, engineers, and port operators. He equally acknowledged their trailblazing efforts and the importance of fostering a culture that values diversity and empowerment.
“With 41% of top management being female, NIMASA recognizes the immense value women bring to our organization and the maritime community as a whole,” the NIMASA Director General stated.
To curb challenges of gender inequality, discrimination, and harassment in the industry, he called on all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, to collaborate in advancing gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities for women at all levels of the maritime sector.
Also speaking, NIMASA’s Director of Financial Services, Mrs. Olamide Odusanya, emphasized the importance of balancing professional development with family values.
She celebrated the achievements of Nigerian women in maritime, noting their leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking.
The event was graced by a wide array of women amazons including; the President of African Women in Maritime (WIMA) Nigerian chapter, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy; President, Women in Maritime Organizations in West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Nigerian chapter, Barr. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore; President, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Hon. Olaitan Williams; Secretary, Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mrs. Nneka Obianyor; Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; among others.
