WIMAfrica President Nweze, LTT’s Capt. Zilberman honoured for gender inclusion, cadet training
By Aisha Cole
Ikeja, Sept. 12, 2026 , The President of WIMAfrica Nigeria, Mrs Theodora Nweze, and General Manager of LTT Coastal Marine Ltd., Capt. Liav Zilberman, were honoured Saturday for advancing gender inclusion and cadet training in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The recognition came at the 8th Global Leadership Summit & Award 2026 organised by Global Searchlight Magazine at Presken Hotel and Resort, Ikeja, Lagos, according to Publisher Olori Lola Adesokan.
Nweze was cited for championing women’s leadership and mentorship across the blue economy, while Zilberman was honoured for creating sea-time opportunities and employment pathways for female cadets through LTT Coastal and Marine Services Ltd.
“With Mrs Nweze’s support, we have trained several female cadets on sea-time and 70 per cent are now gainfully employed,” Zilberman said, urging more women to support the girl-child in maritime.
He called for greater investment in indigenous marine capacity to curb capital flight and grow jobs in coastal communities across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Zilberman noted that predictable policies, strong financing and institutional backing would enable Nigerian firms to compete in vessel support, offshore logistics and coastal trade across the sub-region.
He stressed that partnerships among government, private sector and financial institutions were essential to develop bankable projects that could attract investment and sustain growth in the maritime industry.
“I dedicate this award to every female cadet who dared to go to sea. Your courage proves Nigeria’s maritime future is inclusive, skilled, and ready to compete globally.”
“We must move beyond rhetoric. Government and industry must fund training berths, provide vessels, and enforce policies that guarantee indigenous participation and decent jobs for our youths.”
“I thank WIMAfrica and Searchlight Magazine. Let us mentor more girls, document sea-time properly, and build a pipeline where women command ships and lead marine companies in Nigeria.”
Nweze, in her remarks, urged transformative leadership rooted in innovation, transparency, accountability and inclusive growth to turn challenges into opportunities for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
She said WIMAfrica Nigeria remained committed to increasing women’s participation, arguing that empowering women to lead and innovate strengthens families, organisations and the national economy.
Nweze called on stakeholders to build practical partnerships that harness Nigeria’s maritime potential for job creation, economic diversification and sustainable development of the blue economy.
“I receive this award with humility. I dedicate it to the WIMAfrica family and every woman who has been overlooked at sea and in boardrooms. Our time to lead and transform maritime is now.”
“WIMAfrica will not relent. We will push for policies, scholarships, and mentorship that place more women in technical, command and decision-making roles across the blue economy value chain.”
“I thank Capt. Zilberman and LTT for walking the talk. When women are trained, employed and respected, the entire maritime industry grows stronger and Nigeria’s economy benefits.”
She congratulated all award recipients for service and excellence, and commended Searchlight Magazine for providing a platform for dialogue, recognition and mentorship in the industry.
Adesokan said true leadership is measured by impact, not titles, and urged leaders to prioritise institutional excellence, innovation and service to drive sustainable national development.
She added that innovation without strong institutions cannot deliver lasting progress, stressing the need for leaders who combine creativity with accountability, professionalism and commitment to the public good.
Other dignitaries present included Dr Ovien Imonitie, Mrs Rollens Macfoy,.and the recipient includes, WISTA Nigeria President, Dr Odunayo Ani, Mrs Funmilayo Loremikan, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, and Rev. Nicodemus Odolo, Mrs Bilikis Lawal-Akinbola, Mrs Temitope Adeyele-Akinlabi among other maritime stakeholders and association leaders.
The event also celebrated Mrs Obiageli Benjamin, Secretary of WIMAfrica Nigeria, on her 60th birthday, alongside other awardees recognised for contributions to shipping.