The WISTA Nigeria President, Dr Odunayo Ani
WISTA Nigeria re-elects Ani for second term
May 2, 2026, Women in Shipping and Trading Association, Nigeria (WISTA) has re elected Dr Odunayo Ani as president for a second term.
Her re-election followed the association’s annual general meeting held on Thursday in Lagos.
Ani spoke with journalists on Saturday, describing the renewed mandate as a call to greater service.
“I stand before you with gratitude, humility, and renewed determination. To be re elected is not merely an honour, it is a responsibility,” Ani said.
She thanked the association’s Diamonds, executive members, and supporters for their confidence in her leadership.
“I appreciate your trust and your belief in our shared vision,” she said.
Ani recalled that members first entrusted her with leadership two years ago.
She said their decision to return her strengthened her commitment to the association’s mission.
“Your confidence remains the wind in my sails. I do not take this renewed support lightly,” she said.
Ani credited the administration’s achievements to committed Diamonds, members and dependable executive officers.
She said members consistently gave their time, ideas, and resources to collective programmes.
According to her, teamwork remained central to the association’s growth and influence.
Ani highlighted policy advocacy as one of the administration’s major accomplishments.
She also cited mentorship programmes for young women cadets across the maritime sector.
Ani said the association amplified Nigeria’s voice within the international WISTA community.
She said: “None of these achievements happened by chance. They happened because members showed up, spoke up, and stayed committed.”
Ani said the maritime industry was changing rapidly across global markets.
She identified digitalisation as a major transformation shaping the sector. She also pointed to decarbonisation and diversity as emerging priorities.
According to her, these developments require strategic and inclusive leadership.
Ani said her second term would focus on visibility, capacity, and impact.
“We will ensure Nigerian women are visible across the maritime industry,” she said.
She said women must be represented in boardrooms, ports, vessels, and policy discussions.
Ani promised expanded training and stronger institutional partnerships.
She said the WISTA mentorship hub would support emerging female professionals.
“Training will prepare more women for global competition,” she said, pledging stronger advocacy for gender inclusive maritime policies.
She said younger women must find opportunities and confidence within the industry.
“To every young lady, there is space for you here,” Ani said.
She called on regulators, stakeholders, and male allies to sustain support.
“Progress in maritime is not only a women’s agenda. It is Nigeria’s agenda, and we must move together,” she said.
Ani said her administration achieved measurable growth during its first tenure.
She disclosed that membership increased by 261 between March 2024 and March 2026.
According to her, the growth reflected the association’s expanding relevance.
Ani said WISTA Nigeria participated in major industry consultations and conferences.
She mentioned engagements with the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
She also cited customs consultative roundtables and advocacy initiatives.
Ani said the association marked Seafarers Day annually with Nigerian seafarers.
She said members aligned with global themes promoting safety and welfare.
Ani highlighted youth advocacy and educational outreach under corporate social responsibility programmes.
She said members promoted ocean economy awareness and maritime technology education.
The association also worked with regional women’s maritime organisations.
Ani said WISTA Nigeria strengthened international visibility through global engagements.
She cited participation in conferences in Cyprus, Barcelona, and Cape Town.
According to her, the association also secured representation on international committees.
She reports WISTA Nigeria is preparing to host the WISTA Africa Conference in Lagos. The conference is scheduled for June.
Members observed a minute’s silence for departed leaders and relatives.
Presiding over the swearing-in of the new executive, who were elected unopposed, WISTA Diamond Rollens Macfoy, popularly known as the Mother of Seafarers, advised the executive, headed by Dr Odunayo Ani, on strategies to make the association formidable regionally, locally, and internationally.
Macfoy said other executives include Edidiong Akpanebe Sola-Abalo, Vice President; Lilian Mac-Jaja Nneji, General Secretary; Hanna Adaba, Treasurer; Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Public Relations Officer; Oluwatoyin Oyeleke, Assistant Secretary; and Aisha Cole, Assistant Treasurer.
The new executive officers were returned unopposed during the elections.
The position of assistant public relations officer, however, remains vacant.