Flowerbudnews
Lagos, : Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica-Nigeria) has urged youths, especially girls, to develop skills in maritime-related courses and engage in mentorship to tap into over 150 careers in the industry.
WIMAfrica Nigeria President, Mrs Rollens Macfoy, made this call on Tuesday in Lagos during the International Day for Women in Maritime.
The theme for the 2024 celebration is “Safe Horizon: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety”.
(A group picture of Members of WIMAfrica, Nig. maritime stakeholders and invited student from Technical College Yaba, during the sensitisation programme organise by WIMAfrica Nig.in celebration of the International Day for Women in Mariti)
Macfoy said that women could pursue numerous maritime professions without a traditional maritime background.
She said, “I had a first degree in Public Relations and a Master’s in Industrial Relations before developing an interest in the maritime industry.
“I then attended the School of Oceanography for relevant courses. Today, I have acquired several maritime qualifications both in Nigeria and abroad. I also run a maritime school named Ocean Deep.
“I encourage you to explore the many professions in the maritime industry and contribute to job creation.”
She also said that one did not need to attend the Maritime Academy, Oron, or the School of Oceanography to become a professional in the industry.
“Good mentorship and relevant training can provide the opportunity to excel in maritime,” she added.
Potential careers include ferry operators, deck operators, safety professionals, maritime arbitrators, chandlers, engineers, product surveyors, specialists in marine pollution and many more.
Macfoy noted that the maritime profession is indispensable, as 95 per cent of consumed goods and apparel are transported via ports.
In his goodwill message, Mr Kalusky Yechiel, Managing Director of Continental Ship Yard, represented by Capt. Roque Deweever, expressed support for women pursuing maritime careers.
He noted that his company had trained many Nigerian women in maritime engineering and other related courses, enabling them to work with international shipping lines.
WIMAfrica Continental Coordinator, Mrs Gloria Kanabe, commended the association for its training and mentoring efforts, helping female youths choose maritime careers.
WIMAfrica Ambassador, Mr Obiageli Anubi, encouraged students to seize the numerous opportunities in the maritime sector and to diligently study maritime-related issues.
According to Mrs Chiazor Anishere, former Continental President of WIMAfrica, the eight-year-old association is present in 29 nations with WIMAfrica Nigeria leading with chapters in Lagos, Abuja and Ebonyi.
She highlighted the association’s success in sponsoring and producing female marine engineers, ship captains and seafarers through professional seminars, advocacy, and awareness programmes.
Anishere, a maritime lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) stated that women possess the necessary skills to thrive in the maritime sector and acknowledged the significant impact of women in the industry due to WIMAfrica’s efforts.
She commended Mrs Theodore Nwaeze, HR Manager of Continental Ship Yard, for creating opportunities for women and encouraging their advancement in seafaring.
Nwaeze pledged to continue supporting female youths by providing necessary training and sea-time experience to enable them to work onboard vessels.
At the event, WIMAfrica organised an essay competition. Students from Lagos State University secured the first position, while students from the School of Oceanography came second.
WIMAfrica President, shared memorable souvenir to all the students and engages them onboard vessel where ship captains look them through five mitters away from the key apron to see how ship was been operated.
