WISTA Nigeria Marks 30th Anniversary, Advocates for Greater Women’s Participation in Maritime

WISTA Nigeria Marks 30th Anniversary, Advocates for Greater Women’s Participation in Maritime

…… DG NIMASA Mobereola Stresses Importance of Women’s Roles in Maritime

By prince Benson Davies

WISTA Nigeria recently held its 30th annual business luncheon and award night, bringing together stakeholders from across the maritime sector. The event, themed “Oceans: Our Obligations, Our Opportunities, Our Women,” took place on March 25th at the Civil Center, Lagos, and featured Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as the keynote speakeremphasizing the importance of Women’s participation in Maritime industry

The event commenced at 9:00 am and concluded at 10:30 pm, with attendees including former NIMASA Director-General Barrister Temisan Omatseye, Iroghama Obiefun of Starzs Investments Company Limited, Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, and other companies; Captain Emanuel Ihenacho, industry veteran and a former minister of interior in Nigeria; and other stakeholders.
The occasion provided a platform for industry experts to discuss the importance of women’s participation in the maritime sector and the opportunities and challenges associated with it.

WISTA Nigeria, a chapter of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International), aims to promote and support women in the maritime industry. With over 5,100 members worldwide, WISTA International serves as a connector for female executives and decision-makers in the maritime sector.

The event’s theme, “Oceans: Our Obligations, Our Opportunities, Our Women,” highlights the significance of the maritime industry and the role women play in it. The occasion also served as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in the sector.

The event featured awards and recognition for outstanding women in the maritime sector. particularly all their past WISTA presidents and the present, were honored with awards for their various contributions to the development of WISTA Nigeria.

The occasion provided a platform for stakeholders to network and discuss industry-related issues.

The WISTA Nigeria President, Dr. Mrs. Odunayo Ani, warmly welcomed distinguished guests to the 30th-anniversary celebration of the organization. The president acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the goodwill messages from esteemed guests, including:- Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Willian Bwala, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO
Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International
Jemila Jawulaa Mahamah, Secretary of WISTA International
Gertrude Adewola Ohene-Asienum President of WISTA Ghana

Mrs. Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South West)

The president also recognized the presence of representatives from various organizations, including:

The Nigerian Navy.
Women in Maritime Africa (Nigeria).
Women in Maritime West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA).
Women in Logistics (WILAT).
Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN).
Ocean Ambassadors.

The event featured a performance by the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) dance troupe, “Comot Wahala, to the delights of the guest at the occasion

“The 30th Annual Business and Luncheon and Award Night 2025, held at the prestigious Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Mrs. Funmi Folorunso, Secretary-General of the African Ship Owners Association; Dr. Chinwe Mogo, President of AFMESI; and Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, Chair of Zoe Maritime.
to discuss ‘Technology and Innovation in the Ocean Economy: Driving Change and Progress,’ moderated by Dr. Chizoba Anyika, Deputy Director of NIMASA.”

“The event also featured a second panel discussion, moderated by Foluke Akinmoladun,

with panelists Margaret Ogbonna, Director of the Nigerian Shipper’s Council, and Iroghama Ogbeifun, MD/CEO of Deep Energies Ltd.,
Exploring ‘Sustainable Ocean, Sustainable Future: The Role of Women in Maritime Sustainability’ and ‘The Future of Women in Maritime Trade,’ culminating in the launch of the WISTA Nigeria @ 30 special edition magazine.”

The Civic Centre was abuzz with excitement as guests savored exquisite cuisine and refreshments.