As part of efforts to arouse interest in maritime career opportunities among children, a staff of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Pastor Obehi Oyakhilome-Izekor has launched a book titled: “A-Z of Ship” for kids.
Speaking at the book launch during the 16th edition of Nigerian International Maritime Ports and Terminal (NIMPORT) conference and exhibition, Obehi described the educational material as her response to filling a gap in maritime literature for children.
“The book is the first of many to come and it is my desire that this book gets to every school and is given as a gift to every child. Everyone between the ages of 1-15 years can benefit from reading this book,” she remarked.
Obehi, who is also a member of YoungShip Nigeria, explains her inspiration: “As a mother, I have two lovely children and I go through their academic notes. I found out that there is nothing about the maritime industry where I work. When I ask them what they intend to be, they know about doctors, lawyers, accountants and the likes; but they know nothing about maritime. How do I explain to them what I do as a maritime administrator working at NIMASA when they have zero knowledge about the sector?”
“There are different professions in the maritime industry and I noticed this gap and sought to fill the gap with ‘A-Z of Ship’. As children learn A for Apple and B for Ball, they can also learn about A for Anchor, B for Bow, C for Cabin, etc. I started writing this book in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown and I am glad that I have been able to publish it.”
Noting that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has an agenda for kids, she expressed optimism that the new book could be utilized by the apex maritime regulator to make it have global impact.
“This is just my first and there will be many more to come from me. I hope that this doesn’t only inspire the NIMASA community, but the entire industry and the nation’s educational system,” Obehi asserted.
In her goodwill remarks, the Founder of African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Mogo described the author as an inspiring and diligent personality.
Mogo, who retired from NIMASA as a Director, Marine and Environment Management, recalled how she was wowed by Obehi’s presentation during an in-house NIMASA meeting years ago.
Also speaking, a former Director of Shipping Development at NIMASA, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh recalled the author to be dedicated and resourceful when she worked with him in 2014.
“I recall an incident that happened in 2014 and some Chinese nationals were kidnapped. The NIMASA team worked hard to ensure that these Chinese citizens were released.”
“The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria at the time was so excited that he offered a scholarship funded by their government. I didn’t think for a second time before deciding that the beneficiary should be Obehi. Today, I’m so proud that Obehi has grown to become a successful author.” Warredi said.
In his remarks, Obehi’s husband, Pastor Derick Izekor stressed that every nation that is concerned about its future must prioritize the development of the children.
“Every nation and organization that is concerned about its future must start by planning for the children. More projects and initiatives like ‘A-Z of Ship’ should be encouraged to stimulate children’s interest in maritime.”
“I want to say a big congratulations to the author of the book who is also my wife. She is someone that is very passionate about making an impact in the lives of young people. She has been at it all her life, always thinking of how to help young people. When she came up with the idea of this book as well as the games anchored around maritime, I supported her and the book-writing process was very interesting. I’m sure that the book will make a significant impact in the lives of the readers. It will help the children begin to think about the careers in maritime at a very young age. It will help the industry become a beautiful place with young minds interested in the various aspects of the sector.”
The book launch was also attended by several Christ Embassy Pastors and NIMASA officials including; Assistant Director, Special Duties, Mr. Obinna Obi; Assistant Director, Special Duties, Mr. Daniel Kajo; Assistant Director, Public Relations, Sheilibe Abe; Assistant Chief, Legal, Costance Omagbemi; among others.