The Continental President, WIMAfrica, Mrs Rollens Macfoy, the award recipient WISTA Nigeria, Dr Odunayo Ani and the Chief Executive Officer and the publisher of the Searchlight magazine, Olori Lola Adesokan, during the 8th Global Leadership Summit and Awards 2026 in Ikeja, Lagos.
WISTA Nigeria President bags award for advancing women in maritime
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, Sept. 12, 2026, The President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Nigeria, Dr Odunayo Ani, has been honoured for her contribution to advancing women in the maritime sector.
Ani, who is also the Director of Finance, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), received the award on Saturday at the 8th Global Leadership Summit and Awards 2026 in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event was organised by Global Searchlight Magazine.
The publisher of the magazine, Olori Lola Adesokan, said the award recognised Ani’s efforts in promoting gender inclusion across shipping, logistics and port operations.
Receiving the award, Dr Ani reaffirmed her commitment to creating more opportunities for women across shipping, logistics and port operations.
She said inclusive growth in the maritime sector would remained priority under her leadership at WISTA Nigeria.
Ani noted that WISTA Nigeria has continued to champion mentorship programmes, skills development and policy advocacy aimed at increasing women’s participation and visibility in decision-making roles within the industry.
She also pledged stronger collaboration with government agencies, private sector players and training institutions to build a pipeline of qualified women professionals who can compete globally and drive innovation in the blue economy.
She dedicated the award to women working in the maritime value chain, urging them to embrace capacity building and leadership.
She added that empowering women remains central to achieving sustainable growth and competitiveness in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Ani urged them to remain resilient, acquire relevant skills and pursue leadership positions.
Stakeholders at the event described her as a transformational leader whose advocacy had created opportunities for women in technical and leadership roles within the maritime sector.
They said under her leadership, WISTA Nigeria had promoted mentorship, capacity building and policy dialogue to increase female participation in the blue economy.
The stakeholders called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and professional bodies to promote sustainable growth and improve women’s representation in the maritime sector.
Some of the stakeholders who also received awards of recognition included
Capt. Liav Zilberman, General Manager, LTT Coastal and Marine Services Ltd; Mrs Theodora Nweze, President, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), Mrs Obiageli Benjamin Secretary, WIMAfrica Nigeria, A Maritme Security in Gulf of Guinea Expert, Mrs Bilikis Lawal-Akinbola, Mrs Temitope Adeyele-Akinlabi, General Manager, LTT Coastal and Marine Services Ltd., Capt. Liav Zilberman.
Other awardees were Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller, Apapa, Deputy Comptroller, Ola dapo Adeni, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Abiola Lagoa, Superintendent of Customs, Maris Okauru, President Ship Owners Association, Lagos Rev. Nicodemus Odolo, Mrs Funmilayo Loremikan, Mrs Jane Oyovwi, Mrs Oluremi Ogunsanya and the Chairman of the occasion also Chairman Association of Nigeria License Customs Agent, Chukumalu Emeka.
Adesokan said the award was designed to recognise individuals and institutions making measurable contributions to society.
She said celebrating outstanding leaders would encourage young professionals to pursue careers in maritime and related industries.
She added that recognising excellence would inspire more women to participate and thrive in the maritime economy, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in West and Central .