Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, says active women participation is fundamental to the growth of the maritime industry. Dakuku stated this at a Business Luncheon and 25th Anniversary of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), where he was represented by NIMASA’s Director of Human Resources, Hajia Jumai Musa.
The event held in Lagos had the theme, “Balancing the Gender Gap in Maritime Participation.”
The DG emphasised the need for more awareness to enlighten the younger women to take up careers in the maritime industry. He said women had been playing a significant role in the sector, but stressed that more participation was needed.
Dakuku said, “We should contribute our quotas to the effort to bridge the gender gap in the maritime industry. This will be good for the sector and the economy, generally, as it is common knowledge that women usually do all it takes to excel when given the opportunity.”
In her opening remarks, the President of WISTA Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Hamman, expressed satisfaction with the association’s moves to empower women at the grassroots to be self-reliant. Hamman, who is also Assistant Director, Shipping Promotion, at the Agency, said WISTA had strategised on how to carry out outreaches to create awareness and encourage the youth, particularly women, to take advantage of opportunities in the maritime industry.
Speaking at the occasion also, the Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, pointed out that WISTA had actually created a foundation to encourage people to invest in the fishing sub-sector.
Ogbeifun said, “I am always encouraged reading everything you are doing in empowering women in fishing as well as educating young girls. It may look as if it is a small thing, but the women are playing the role of caring for their families.”
Isichei Osamgbi
Head, Corporate Communications,
NIMASA
isichei.osamgbi@nimasa.gov.ng
December 16, 2019
