Not for sale

SHIPS PORTS
Special Edition to Commemorate World Maritime Day September 2019 www.shipsandports.com.ng

“We Refused to Allow

Ourselves to Fit Into a Box”

Breaking the Bounds:

Enter Nigeria’s Female
Top Maritime Crane Operators

Women in When Womanhood

Nigeria and Duty Meet the Law
 Not for sale

SHIPS PORTS
Special Edition to Commemorate World Maritime Day September 2019 www.shipsandports.com.ng

On the threshold
of womentum

N igerian women have made great strides in the maritime

sector but inequality remains a major issue. We believe
that women in the sector today must be equal with their
male colleagues. The equality in question is not just about the
familiar rhetoric of representation for the sake of it or about
“We Refused to Allow
Ourselves to Fit Into a Box”
striking a numerical balance. Creating balance in leadership
Breaking the Bounds:

Top Maritime
Enter Nigeria’s Female
Crane Operators roles and in the decision-making process is of utmost
Women in When Womanhood importance. Women deserve to become a strategic part of the
Nigeria and Duty Meet the Law

maritime business.

A good way of accelerating the growth of the maritime sector is

PUBLISHER/ to turn the tide on gender imbalance. This is why we identify
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF with the efforts of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
Bolaji Akinola in this regard. This special edition of Ships & Ports celebrates our
maritime women – those who have shattered the proverbial glass
EDITOR ceiling and those who look forward to building enduring careers
Enyeribe Anyanwu in their chosen fields of endeavour.

Today, four per cent of the maritime industry's sea-based

ASSISTANT EDITOR
Shulammite 'Foyeku workforce is female, while the International Transport Workers'
Federation (ITF) estimates that women make up only two per
CONTRIBUTORS cent of the world's maritime workforce. These uninspiring
Jite Eriabie numbers will certainly not engender the type of egalitarian
Oluwatoyin Amao maritime society and accelerated economic growth we all
John Omoaka desire.

WEB MASTER IMO's theme for the 2019 World Maritime Day, “Empowering
Muyiwa Sonuyi Women in the Maritime Community”, is therefore timely and
apposite.
ADMINISTRATION
Eucharia Okoli
Ige Oluwatosin We hope to see more women sitting at the table at the highest
Folasade Adedokun level of decision-making in private companies and government
Aminat Kareem agencies. More than ever before, our women should be
supported to break down stereotypes and push beyond cultural
GRAPHICS boundaries. We wish to see a greater presence of females at the
Mosaku Oluwaseun highest level in port operation, ship owning, seafaring, maritime
administration and regulation, bunker industry, ship chandling,
ADVERTISING/SALES freight forwarding, customs administration and many more.
info@shipsandports.com.ng
0803 608 6731 Women momentum – womentum –
0706 491 1051 is on the horizon and our female
All materials in this practitioners deserve all the
publication are copyright and support they can get.
all rights are reserved. No
part of this publication may
be reproduced without the Bolaji Akinola
written permission of Ships & Publisher
Ports Communication
Company.

©Ships & Ports Communication Company 2019

Ships & Ports | 03
ContentsSpecial Edition to Commemorate World Maritime Day September 2019

12

18 “I was determined to
become an
exceptional woman”

20 “We refused to allow

ourselves to fit into a
box”

26 Women Nutrition

10 Sea sickness: How to

avoid and treat it

16 WACT: Attracting
cargo to Onne Port 28
through investment in
cargo handling
equipment
 90 “I don't see how
anybody can stop
any woman from
35
being who she
wants to be”

96 Nigeria’s renewed
interest in IMO
Council seat

86 Women Fitness
22
88 “I don't feel
intimidated”

92
30
 Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi (sitting in the
middle) and Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki (2nd
right) flanked by women in the maritime sector at a stakeholders interactive
session in Lagos recently.
 Sea sickness:
How to avoid and treat it
S easickness—just thinking of
it is enough to make you feel
squeamish. Fear of getting
this type of motion sickness is
probably the number one reason
many vacationers who love to
travel do not cruise. Seasickness
(also called mal de mer) is the
reaction of your body's inner ear
balance system to the unfamiliar
motion of the ship. The movement
of the ship causes stress on the
balancing portion of the brain.
Your brain sees things on the ship
such as walls and furniture and
instinctively knows from past
e x p e r i e n c e t h a t t h ey a re
supposed to be still.
However, since these items are
actually moving with the sea and
the ship, the inner ear gets
stressed and confused and nausea
sets in.
Seasickness often disappears
within a few days, even without
treatment. The brain finally adjusts
to this new environment, and the
sufferer gets his or her "sea legs."
One unfortunate aspect of long sickness in cars, airplanes, or
trans-ocean voyages is that it may carnival rides may also be more
take a while for you to adjust to s u s c e p t i bl e t o s e a s i c k n e s s .
being on land again. How horrible However, the motion on different
to think that about the time you ships affects people differently.
recover from seasickness that Just because you get seasick in a
"land sickness" sets in! small boat does not mean you will
have problems on a large cruise
Who Gets Seasick ship.
Seasickness and motion sickness
can affect anyone. Ninety percent
Factors That Make
of all people suffer from some
type of motion sickness during It Worse
their lifetimes. Even experienced You can't catch seasickness. It is
cruisers who have sailed dozens not a virus, although sometimes if
of times can get seasick. They people around you are sick, it
don't stop cruising, they just take makes you feel that way too! There
precautions to lessen or prevent a re t h re e m a i n s e a s i c k n e s s
the seasickness. triggers that should be avoided
during your first few hours on the
Seasickness is especially bad cruise ship.
when no one else seems to be
afflicted, and it certainly is not D o n o t g o b e l ow d e c k f o r
limited to only wimps. Knowing extended time periods. Try to find
that about half the astronauts take a window or porthole and keep
motion sickness medication when your eyes gazing (but not fixed) on
in space should make you feel a the horizon.
little better.
Do not look through binoculars for
People who are prone to motion long periods of time.
Ships & Ports | 10

Do not stare at objects your brain will interpret as
stable. Anything that involves staring at one point
such as reading a book, doing detailed needlework,
or even staring at a compass might bring on a bout
of seasickness.
How to Avoid It
Staying busy and keeping your mind occupied are
the best ways to avoid seasickness. Try to stay on
deck in the fresh air and focus on anything other
than the moving ship. Take deep breaths and drink
plenty of water. When on deck, facing forward
(rather than to the side) seems to help most people.
Remember that you need to let your brain adjust to
this new unstable environment by allowing the
horizon to act as the true point of reference.
Although drinking plenty of water is important, you
also need to keep something in your stomach
(although spicy or fatty food is not recommended).
Lying down in a deck chair in the fresh air often
helps many people; it's almost like you can sleep it
off. Most modern cruise ships are equipped with
stabilizers that eliminate much of the motion that
causes seasickness. This is one time when bigger
might be better—the larger the ship, the less it will
rock. If you know you are prone to seasickness, try to
Seasickness: How to avoid and treat it
get a cabin on the outside (with a window), and mid-
ship and on a lower deck where there is less motion.
Cruising in relatively calm waters may also help
those prone to seasickness. The Caribbean (except
during hurricane season) is usually calm, as is the
Inside Passage to Alaska. River cruises are also a
good choice.
Remedies
Seasickness is often easier to avoid than to cure.
Most remedies need to be taken a couple of hours
before your cruise ship sails. Different treatments
work better for different people, and you may need
to try a few to determine which is best for you.
Remember to check with your doctor to make sure
that any remedy does not conflict with medication
you are currently taking—prescription or over-the-
counter.
Medications
Scopolamine patches, worn behind the ear like a
tiny band-aid, are the most common prescription
drugs for seasickness. Scopolamine also comes in
pill form. The patches last up to three days, provide
time-release doses of the drug, and are usually very
effective for preventing nausea.
Culled from trip Savvy
Ships & Ports | 11
INTELS: Empowering Nigerian
women through WEPSS
T he third of seven children,
19-year-old Glory
Aberepikima has just been
a c c e p t e d i n t o t h e Wo m e n
E m p owe r m e n t P ro g ra m m e
initiative of INTELS Niger ia
Limited, WEPSS began in 2013,
with the vision of empowering
5,000 community women over a
20-year period through training in
programme and was shortlisted.
She too completed it successfully
but did not win a sewing machine.
With the skill she has acquired
though, she is working for another
Scheme Synergy (WEPSS) at fashion design and tailoring. tailor and hopes to further her
Onne, Rivers State. A native of education with her earnings. I am
Okirika, Glory has been unable to Aberepikima said, "My eldest the third person in my family to
further her education since the sister f irst enrolled f or the undergo this training and it means
completion of her West African programme in 2016. She is the a lot to me that I scaled through the
Senior School Certificate only university graduate in the selection process.”
Examination. family but she was unable to get a
job after graduation. Luckily for Aberepikima is one of the 125
Since her father's death, the family her, she did so well after the yo u n g wo m e n o u t o f 7 0 0
has barely sustained itself with the c o m p l e t i o n o f t h e t ra i n i n g applicants who were chosen for
m e a g re e a r n i n g s f ro m h e r programme, that she was given a the training. Many like
mother's petty trading. However, sewing machine.With that, she has Aberepikima come from similar
things began to change for the rented a shop and is now taking backgrounds; f inancially
family when WEPSS was care of herself. handicapped, yet with big dreams
i n t ro d u c e d i n t o t h e i r l ive s . hoping for a stroke of luck that
Already, Glory's two older sisters "The following year, my second would change their fortunes.
are beneficiaries of WEPSS. An eldest sister also enrolled for the

A beneficiary of INTELS' Women Empowerment Programme Scheme Synergy (WEPSS) at

the Onne Free Zone, Rivers State.

Ships & Ports | 12

 INTELS: Empowering Nigerian women through WEPSS

One can imagine Aberepikima's happiness when One director would interview one girl. After a few
she got the call that she had been shortlisted for the weeks of waiting, I was finally called to come for the
written test. She said, "When I saw the number of training. That I was among the selected candidates
persons who came to write the test, I was worried. felt like an honour.
My confidence grew though when I was called back
for the interview. My mother and sisters really "Right now, I just want to go through the training
encouraged me to put in my best. My mother in before I make up my mind about my career path.
particular was really excited for me. I want not only Although I would still like to further my education, I
to acquire the tailoring skill, but also to win a sewing might switch over to tailoring and fashion design if
machine. It is very important to me that I do; if I can the training goes well. What is uppermost in my
be self-employed, then perhaps I can make enough mind is acquiring a skill that would be useful to me in
money with the skill I have learned and return to the long run.”
school.”
It was Pepple's and Aberepikima's first day at the
Imenifa Pepple is another young lady who found WEPSS Centre and like the other successful
herself at home unable to proceed further than her applicants, they were excited. Being the first day, the
secondary school education. With
a retiree father and petty trader
mother, Imenif a had to start
fending for herself to support her
family. In the one year she spent at
home, she tried teaching and
poultry farming. Unfortunately for
her, most of the savings she
invested into poultry farming was
lost after the chickens were hit
with a disease. So when she got the
news about WEPSS training, she
jumped at the chance –after all,
she was at home, doing nothing.

She said, "I completed my

secondary school education over
a year ago. I could not go any
further because the funds were
simply not there. Instead of sitting
idly at home, I worked at some jobs
and tried several businesses.
When I discovered teaching
wasn't for me, I went into poultry
farming. Unfortunately, it didn't
turn out well. Last month, a friend
suggested I go for WEPSS training
Some beneficiaries of WEPSS instituted by oil and gas logistics
and I jumped at the opportunity.
giant, INTELS Nigeria Limited as part of its corporate social
"I got a call from a WEPSS staff and responsibility (CSR) initiative undergoing training at the
later received a text invitation for multimillion dollars training centre at the Onne Free Zone,
the test. On the day of the test, we Rivers State.
all gathered at the gate, before
being called into the canteen girls would go through an orientation process which
batch by batch for the test. We were then told we would entail filling personal data and bank
would get feedback for the next stage. I went back information, taking blood pressure tests, getting
home that day. The following day, I was informed that their WEPSS identity card, selection of lockers,
I had passed the test. I felt lucky to be called for the introduction to the trainers and sewing machines,
second test because some ladies were unsuccessful. getting their sewing aprons and name tags. Since
After scaling through that, we were told we would be the training is rigorous, the blood pressure test
called upon for a one on one interview. For the ensures that trainees are healthy and fit for the
interview we met with two Directors of the Centre. training. Trainees found to be afflicted with high

Ships & Ports | 13

 INTELS: Empowering Nigerian women through WEPSS

L-R: The General Manager, Legal and Corporate Services of INTELS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike
Epelle; best graduating beneficiary of the first batch of 2019 INTELS Women Empowerment
Programme Scheme Synergy (WEPSS), Esther Osarodanwi; WEPSS Project Head, Nancy
Freeborn; and Operational Risk Manager of INTELS, Cluadio Moruzzi, during the graduation 80
women beneficiaries of the first batch of 2019 INTELS Women Empowerment Programme Scheme
Synergy (WEPSS) at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, Rivers State, recently.

blood pressure are informed and focus on the sewing machine over 80 per cent to qualify for the
then monitored by WEPSS staff just prize. She stresses that acquiring prize. To also make learning more
to make sure they take good care the skill is much more important. conducive, bank accounts are
of their health. "It is so competitive that you have opened for reach trainee and a
women who are skilled tailors stipend paid into it monthly. This
Held once every six months, the actually applying for this training stipend takes care of their feeding
selection process begins with a because they want to win a sewing during the training. The filling of
written test, after which an oral machine. That is why there is a the bank details is the most
interview is conducted. declaration form where you must problematic session of the first
Applicants who successfully scale s t a t e i f yo u h ave h a d p r i o r day; most have WASCCE as their
through the oral interview are tailoring experience because an highest qualification," Ajamni
then penciled down f or the experienced tailor can certainly said.
training. It is a competitive not be assessed with the same Other information required to be
p ro c e s s b e c a u s e s o m a ny standard used for a lear ner. declared by the trainees include,
applicants vie for a few slots. The A nyo n e wh o d e c l a re s f a l s e
possibility of winning an electric information in the form is in enrolment into another academic
industrial sewing machine also danger of losing her spot. or training programmes and if
makes the training more attractive they are pregnant or not. Ajamni
and sought after. "We always make it clear to them explains that declaring your
at the start of the training that not enrolment in other academic
However, former Head of the ever yone can win a sewing pursuits will enable the center
Centre, Abhina Ajamni, is quick to machine. It is only for the top 10 or determine if trainees are able to
caution the girls not to direct their 15 best girls and they must score commit themselves to the classes

Ships & Ports | 14

 INTELS: Empowering Nigerian women through WEPSS

for the four-month duration of the training. To ensure
trainees were not motivated by the monthly stipend
to apply for the programme, they were informed that
missing five classes would disqualify them from
going any further.
Ajamni added that there had been cases in the past
where some pregnant women enrolled for the
training and failed to disclose their condition. She
said, "In the event that there is a complication with
the pregnancy, some of these women have blamed it
on the WEPSS. To avoid all that, we always encourage
them to disclose pregnancy. Once we are aware of
pregnant trainees, they are moved from the
production to the support department. It is better to
be safe than sorry because the sewing machine
produces vibrations when in use. We cannot
intentionally endanger a baby's life.”
Luckily for these girls some of whom come from as
far as Port Harcourt to undergo this training, the
WEPSS Centre provided two 66-seater buses to
assist with the daily commute to Onne. This also
ensures that they are seated and ready for classes
which begin by 8.30am.
W E P S S H e a d o f H u m a n R e s o u rc e s a n d
Administration, Dorcas Ekong, said, "Two buses
leave every day from the WEPSS Centre to pick the
girls. One is stationed at Onne junction for those who
live at Port Harcourt while another is stationed at
Ogubolo. The Port Harcourt bus usually takes off at
6.30am, while the Ogubolo bus takes off at 6.45am
for the WEPSS centre.
"By the time the girls get here, it is usually between
7.30am and 7.50am Classes
start at 8.30am so they use the
extra time to settle down and
get their aprons on.”
may have even with their classmates, their trainers
and the administration staff. The length of the
feedback session is dependent on the trainees;
there is no fixed time for the feedback session but it
has to be concluded by 5pm. This is because the bus
would leave the Centre at that time to take the girls
back to the agreed destinations from which they
were picked," Ekong added.
Intels' Women Empowerment Programme Scheme
Synergy is laudable, and commends itself to other
organizations. It is a showpiece of Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), because it said that the
greatest investment is investment in human
development.
"The areas of concern are not limited to their
lectures alone. The trainees are encouraged to talk
about problems they may have even with their
classmates, their trainers and the administration
staff. The length of the feedback session is
dependent on the trainees; there is no fixed time for
the feedback session but it has to be concluded by
5pm. This is because the bus would leave the Centre
at that time to take the girls back to the agreed
destinations from which they were picked," Ekong
added.
Intels' Women Empowerment Programme Scheme
Synergy is laudable, and commends itself to other
organizations. It is a showpiece of Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), because it said that the
greatest investment is investment in human
development.

The classes continue

uninterrupted till 12pm when
they break for one hour and
t h e n re s u m e a t 1 p m . I n
between lectures, the trainees
are allowed a five-minute
stretching exercise and this
usually at 10am and 3pm.
Classes close for the day at
4pm after which the trainees
a re a l l owe d a f e e d b a c k
session with the project
manager.

"The areas of concern are not

limited to their lectures alone.
The trainees are encouraged
to talk about problems they

Ships & Ports | 15


WACT: Attracting
cargo to Onne Port
through investment
in cargo handling
equipment
W est Africa Container Terminal
(WACT) Onne has positively
impacted on trade and economic
activity at Onne port, Rivers State, through its
massive investment in cargo handling
equipment thereby increasing the
competitiveness of the port.
In response to increase in volume at the eastern
ports occasioned by the recent diversion of
cargoes because of the traffic gridlock
experienced at the Lagos ports, WACT has
positioned the Onne container terminal as a
viable option for Nigerian shippers, especially
those from the South- East, South- South, North-
East and North -Central who had long sought for
an alternative to the ports in Lagos.
WACT has proven to be one of the most efficient
container terminals outside Lagos operating at
par with its peers in Apapa and Tin Can Island
Ports with over $14 million investment in the
provision of cargo handling equipment so far
this year.
In line with the company's commitment to be the
best container terminal in West Africa, WACT
has continued to invest in not just equipment but
manpower and its processes. In addition to
excellent hinterland connections to the rest of
Nigeria, WACT offers excellent customer
service with trained operators and superior e-
How INTELS is empowering Nigerian women through WEPSS
commerce capabilities.
Recently, WACT commissioned two giant mobile
harbour cranes worth $10 million, making it one
of the leading Nigerian port operators. These
are in addition to 26 specialized terminal trucks,
18 reach stackers, 4 empty handlers and 9
forklifts, so far acquired.
These investments, industry stakeholders say,
have brought about high level of efficiency at
the facility with improved ship turnaround time
and cargo delivery at the terminal.
Speaking at the commissioning of the cranes in
Onne, Managing Director, WACT, Aamir Mirza,
said the massive investment at the terminal has
attracted 700 direct and 2,000 indirect
employments for Nigerians, just as the company
recorded tremendous growth of 17 percent in
2017, 21 percent growth in 2018, and already
attained 20 percent growth so far this year.
“Our vision is to make WACT the best
performing container terminal in West Africa.
We believe this vision can be realized early
enough if the government can support us to
reduce the challenges of insecurity by ensuring
the safety of vessels on our waters, and improve
road connectivity, among others,” he said.
Mirza said the cranes would enable volume
Ships & Ports | 16
 WACT: Attracting cargo to Onne port through investment in cargo handling equipment

growth resulting in increased productivity,
reduced cargo dwell time, improved reliability
in cargo delivery times; reduce the impact of
crane break down/idle time on overall terminal
operations and increase customers satisfaction
and speedy cargo delivery.
and Technology, Abuja. The Onitsha Chamber of
Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture
(OCCIMA) also named WACT the winner of its
Corporate Distinguished Service Award in 2015.

WACT is also planning to acquire a man-lifter

used to repair mobile harbour cranes and 10
more trailers in response to the growing
business and to ensure it remains the gate way
to East Nigeria and beyond.

WACT, which commenced commercial

operation in 2007, was one of the Greenfield
terminals to be built in Nigeria under a public
private partnership with the government in
2003.

Located in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone

near Port Harcourt and with a capacity of
314,000 TEUs, 325 reefer plugs and berths with
depth of up to 12 meters, WACT is the most
efficient gateway to most markets outside the
Lagos area.

In 2016, WACT was named Nigeria's Best

Container Handling and Port Development
Company at the African Governance and
Corporate Leadership Award organized by the
Institute for Government, Research, Leadership

L-R: The Zonal Coordinator, Zone C, Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller General Francis Enwereuzor; Managing
Director, Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr. Umana Okon Umana; Managing Director, West Africa Container
Terminal (WACT), Mr. Aamir Mirza; the Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers' Council, Mr. Hassan Bello; and the Port
Manager, Onne Port, Mr. Al-Hassan Ismaila; during the commissioning of two new Mobile Harbour Cranes acquired by WACT
to boost operation at the Onne Port, Rivers State.

Ships & Ports | 17


“I was determined to become
an exceptional woman”
P rincess (Dr.) Victoria Adesuyi Haastrup
is the Chairman, Seaport Terminal
Operators Association of Nigeria
(STOAN). She is also the CEO of ENL
Consortium, operators of Terminals C and D at
the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa. In this
interview, she speaks on her journey in life as
a child, aspirations and determination to
succeed.
Excerpt:
Give us your background briefly
My parents are from Kwara State. My father is from
the Ijarasin area while my mother is from Isanlu
area, a neigbhouring village close to Ijarasin in
Kwara State. But my maternal grandmother hailed
from Ayide area of Ekiti State. I got my industrious
orientation from Kwara State and my sense of
character from Ekiti State. So, the combination of
Kwara and Ekiti virtues moulded my life.
How did you start the business?
It is a family business. My husband and I
established the company. My husband believes in
me and gave me the opportunity to showcase my
potentials because he knew I had the intelligence
How INTELS is empowering Nigerian women through WEPSS
and the capacity to operate it.
What exactly does ENL Consortium do?
We discharge ships. We have been operating for
12 years. I came on board in 2006 and it has been
a wonderful experience with lots of challenges.
Port operations is supposed to be a masculine
business but I have entrenched myself in the
industry and proved that women can do it better
than men. If you are not bold and courageous and
have the intelligence and capacity, you cannot do
ports business in Nigeria. It is a male-dominated
environment. I have lots of male dock workers who
are stronger, yet I have to withstand them and
correct their excesses. At some point, I had over
5,000 dock workers in the terminal who I had to
manage in the port. I brought a wind of change
into port operations in Nigeria and I did all of
them by the strength of God and what I believed
in.
Did you have any experience or
education in maritime prior to going
into business?
Not at all, but, I developed myself. I did research
and sought for advice and help where necessary,
especially with people who have been in the
Ships & Ports | 18

industry and they obliged
accordingly. I also learned on the
job and within six months, I was
able to explore beyond
expectation. It was as if I had an
experience of 20 years and that
was what makes me a woman.
What a man can do, a woman can
do better. Woman has no
limitation on what she can do.
The capacity is huge when a
woman is encouraged just the
way my husband encouraged me
to do this job.
What is your area of
specialization in terms of
women emancipation?
My focus is on the downtrodden
in society; Women who are
unable to fend for themselves;
women who cannot put food on
the table for their children.
Women who are unable to
support their husbands
financially; I am talking about
women that need urgent
attention and help in terms of
capacity-building, those who
need to be developed in all areas
of life.
What have you done in
that regard?
I have been talking to awaken the
consciousness of women in
whatever capacity and
opportunity available. There is
need for women to develop
themselves financially. I am
passionate about the financial
capacity of women. I am a woman
that started from nothing.I had
such a humble beginning and I
always told other women that if I
could make it, they can also make
it. Women are special people.
They have the energy,
intelligence and the capacity. All
they need do is to be
encouraged to develop
themselves and that is the song
that I sing anywhere I have the
opportunity to talk about women.
Many women don't know that
they have so much potentials in
them. They need to project
themselves and start from their
“I was determined to become an exceptional woman”
little position. They do not need
millions to start a business.
Women should not be pulled
down. Today, there are troubles in
most homes because women are
not supporting their husbands.
Women need to rise up to the
challenge. They need to do
something with their hands. They
need to know that they have
more than enough potentials to
earn a living.
Is the campaign only
about talking?
I think talking is a good starting
point because people suffer for
lack of knowledge. You need to
impart knowledge in women so
as to know what they are capable
of doing. A lot of women do not
know what they are supposed to
do. There was a young woman
who attended one of the
conferences I attended in Nigeria
who I met when I went to Dubai
for a wedding. She called me and
said: “Princess, I need to share
this with you.” She gave out
beautiful slippers at the wedding
and said to me, “this is the result
of what you taught me. When you
spoke at that conference, I did
not have enough funds to do
anything, this is what I do now.”
She was producing slippers
locally by herself. Today, she has
been able to put food on the
table and help her husband. That
is the testimony that I get. I met
another woman at a forum
somewhere in Lagos, she also
acted on the knowledge she
received and today, she produces
juice locally with the little funds
she generated. To me, that
“
I had such a humble
beginning and I
always told other
women that if I
could make it, they
can also make it.
” position in the home.
knowledge is life and it is money.
So, women need to know what it
takes to make it in life.
When did the campaign start?
It is part of me. I have always had
passion to help women. If a man
and woman come for help, I
would rather attend to the need
of the woman before the man.
When you help a woman, you are
helping the entire family. I have
been vigorous and active in what
I am doing.
Something would have
propelled your reactions.
Tell us the challenges you
faced growing up.
When I was young, enough
attention was not paid to the girl-
child. Parents would usually pay
attention to the male child
because they believe he would
project the family name and he is
also more intelligent. My father
thought he should lay more
emphasis on the male child. I
could see the male child was
more focused on than the female
child. The male child got more
attention and financial support.
But, I grew up with the mindset
that I should not be pulled down.
I am vibrant and I am a go-
getter. I fought emotionally over
the years especially at the age of
three. So, I was determined to
become an exceptional woman.
So, I am always pained when I
hear that women collect chop
money. It irritates me. Why does
it have to be men that should
give women chop money? Why
can't women put food on the
table for men? Why can't they
work to support their husbands,
pay school fees, provide for their
families? I believe what a man
can do, a woman can do better. I
believe there is no limitation for
women. There is no height a
woman cannot reach. God
created us equal except the sex. I
am not an advocate of feminism
but I am only encouraging
women to take their rightful
Ships & Ports | 19
“We refused to allow
ourselves to fit into a box”
H adiza Bala-Usman has narrated
how she clinched the job of
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Managing Director, saying “we refused to
allow ourselves to fit into a box”. She
British Deputy High Commission in
Nigeria in conclusion of the “Women's
Month” celebration.

Speaking at the forum, Bala-Usman said

spoke during a panel discussion that she did not allow herself to be roped into
centered on “what it means to be a a system that holds women back from
woman in Africa” at an event organized reaching out for top positions in the
by CNN Africa in partnership with the society.

Ships & Ports | 20


“We refuse to allow
ourselves to fit into a box.
There's a particular
narrative that's around who
you are as an African
woman — for me as a
northern woman — that
you're required to stay in
that nice happy box that
they've put you in, and I
refused to do that.
“I wouldn't stay in that
place they put me in and
what happened is that I
turned out to be the MD of
the Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA).
“Where I come from in the
north, women are
conditioned to think that
they're not meant to be out
there. But I'm a woman who
will take what's mine. I
“We refused to allow ourselves to fit into a box”
serve as an inspiration to
young women out there.
“So I encourage all of us
–young women, older
women to just think of who
we are and what we want to
achieve and push the
boundaries and refuse to
be defined by anyone
else.”
Usman said she's still
actively part of the Bring
Back Our Girls (BBOG)
movement, adding that
being in government has
not restricted her from
advocating the release of
the Chibok girls.
“Five years later, I'm still
advocating, I wear my
badge. I refuse to be put in
that place that says you're
in government you can't
advocate.
“I reserve the right to
advocate for a thing I
believe in wherever I find
myself. So don't limit
yourself to what you've
been told to do.
“Typically you're in
government, you shouldn't
challenge status quo, you
shouldn't challenge
government about what
they should do, but for me,
the Chibok girls was a
passion I had.
“Girls shouldn't be
abducted. I need to remind
us that these girls are still in
captivity. Let's remember
that in our consciousness.”
Ships & Ports | 21
 Breaking
the bounds:
Enter Nigerian
female crane
operators
C an the maritime and shipping sector
still be regarded as a profession for
men? Many years ago, the answer
would have been a resounding 'yes',
especially in Nigeria.That was the time when
women were discriminated against and not
considered for serious appointments in the sector.
Like in the early days of the defunct Nigerian
National Shipping Line (NNSL), (1960s and
1970s) for instance, women were not easily
considered for appointment because women
really'didn't fit in'.They therefore struggled
under very stringent conditions of
employment. Married women were not
employable by the company, except as what
was termed “un-established staff”.
Spinsters who managed to get employed and
confirmed as permanent staffhad a taste of
what it meant to be in a 'man's profession'.
Though they could be allowed to get
married, they were entitled to only six weeks
maternity leave during their pregnancy,
before and after delivery, and on half pay. It is
on record that an unmarried female
employee could be asked to resign her
appointment if she became pregnant
especially if she was unable to provide
satisfactory evidence of her marriage.
These were those days. Today, everything has
changed. Women are not only being
employed in jobs hitherto meant for men,
they now do some jobs which most men
cannot do. By dint of hard work and sheer
determination, they gradually became part of
the industry, and later took it by storm. Hence
today, we have female ship captains,
engineers, lawyers, administrators, experts in
port operations, sailors, and wait for it….
women crane operators!
Ships & Ports | 22
 Breaking the bounds: Enter Nigerian female crane operators

APM Terminals female

crane operators
T he APM Terminals, West Africa's
biggest container terminal recently
showcased its six female operators.
Some are married; some are spinsters. But
all of them are enjoying their jobs
operating Reach Stackers and other heavy
cargo handling equipment with ease, and
doing it even better than the men by
adding the feminine touch of carefulness
and excellence.

One thing about the six female operators

is that they are doing the work with glee,
enjoying doing what they are doing. At no
time do they show the men that they are
the weaker vessel, as they keep giving
them a run for their money. Being married
is no hindrance to them. “Yes, I am
married; I am a mother of three, but that's

Ships & Ports | 23

not going to pull me back,” says
Cynthia Gobo Mac-Pepple, one
of the female operators.

Cynthia, a Chemical Engineer

by training, understands
engines and machines. She says
the difference in operating the
Reach Stacker is its transmission
which is different from that of a
car. “The car is more of front and
the reach stacker is more of the
back wheel. Every time you
move the plant, it's more of the
back wheel.” She says she is
passionate about women
equality in the engineering
sector. Because of that she
decided to give plant operation
a try.

To Enobong Udofot, an Agric

Engineer, the Reach Stacker is
something to play with and
enjoy. “RS or Reach Stacker like
they call it is just a game, it's a

Ships & Ports | 24


toy. I play with it and it's cool,” she says
enthusiastically. She advises other ladies:
“My advice to other ladies is for them to
take away fear and focus their mind, make
up their minds that they can do it, there is
nothing there.”
One of the famous six, Ifunanya Loveth
Umahi echoes the same sentiment, advising
ladies to see themselves as humans, just like
the men.
Breaking the bounds: Enter Nigerian female crane operators
“They should see themselves like the male
species; they are humans, what is that thing
they have that you don't have? Just that they
are male, yeah, we are ladies, and we can
do it even better. So come out, show them
what you've got.”
These are three of the six female operators
working at APM Terminals, posting
creditable performance, and opening the
door for other females who may want to do
what they are doing.
As a woman seafarer once said,
professional women just have to excel and
do more and be better than the men,
because if they are not better than the
men, they cannot occupy that position.
Indeed, these women have shattered the
men's world. They have broken the bounds
that once made the maritime sector a
man's profession.
Ships & Ports | 25
 Women Nutrition
Being healthy isn't easy. There are so many little things you can do in your day-to-day that add
up over time, not only helping you feel great in the moment but also ensuring you still feel top-
notch down the road. From adding a little turmeric to your meals or taking the stairs over the
elevator, here are ways you can be a much healthier woman with minimal effort.
1 Drink Tons
of Water
Drinking water day in and day out can get a little
boring, but it's super important for your body. A
2013 study published in the journal Frontiers in
Human Neuroscience found being dehydrated can
seriously impact your brain's performance—and on
top of that, it can also make you feel tired, give you
headaches, make you dizzy, and give you dry skin.
So drink up—even if that means adding some fruit in
to make it a little more fun.
2 Cut Down
on Sodium
Later, salt shaker. It might make everything taste
better, but having too much in your diet isn't going to
do your health any good. According to the
Cleveland Clinic, excess sodium—the
recommended daily amount is only 2,300 mg or 1
teaspoon, by the way—can make your heart work
harder, increasing your blood pressure. But cutting
back will help keep your body working properly
and help you stay at a healthy weight.
3 Stop Eating So
Much Sugar
Let's be honest—it's not easy avoiding sugar. It's in
everything from your “healthy” instant oatmeal
packs to pasta sauce, and definitely adds up over
time. Not only does sugar overload lead to obesity
and type 2 diabetes, but it can also give you wrinkles,
fine lines, and under-eye sagging, says Dr.
NigmaTalib, in her book Younger Skin Starts in the
Gut. To avoid all those issues, try to avoid processed
foods, stop sweetening your coffee, and eat as
wholesome as you can when it comes to your diet.
4 Take
Multivitamins
Even if you think you're getting all the vitamins and
nutr ients you need through your diet, it's
tricky—and even the healthiest individuals
sometimes still need a little extra help. To give your
health a boost, find a multivitamin that works for you:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it's an easy way
to protect your body against an imperfect diet.
Because who's perfect anyway?
5 Eat Some
Beets
Beets are definitely a love-hate vegetable, but try
and convince yourself to love them—it's worth it for
the health benefits. A 2011 study published in the
journal Nitric Oxide found the veggie contains
nitrates that actually help increase your mental
performance. Thanks to some extra blood flow to
your noggin, you'll be thinking much clearer.
6 Eat a Balanced
Diet
Eating a healthy diet sounds much easier than it is,
but putting your foot down and making yourself eat
all those fruit and vegetables pays off. There are an
endless amount of health benefits that come from
fueling your body properly:You'll have more energy,
your skin will be clearer, your immune system will be
top-notch, and you'll stay strong as you age.
Ships & Ports | 26

7 Fall in love
with Turmeric
There are many spices that offer some really
impressive benefits, and turmeric is one of them. It's
been around for thousands of years and you can do
just about everything with it, whether you're making
a golden milk latte or seasoning your rice. And when
it comes to your health, adding the flavor into your
meals pays off: A 2008 study published in the Annals
of Indian Academy of Neurology found the yellow
spice can help reduce inflammation, as well as ease
Alzheimer's symptoms.
8 Eat More Kale
You should be eating plenty of greens in general,
but kale is an extra great addition to your plate. Not
only did a 2017 study published in the journal
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience find that kale can
help slow age-related cognitive decline, but the stuff
is also full of cancer-fighting antioxidants, can help
ward off inflammation, and will keep your
cholesterol levels in check.
9 Eat More Fruits
and Vegetables
Experts say you should aim for seven to nine
servings of fruits and veggies a day. And yeah, that
seems like a lot. But if you're filling up on mostly
plants, there's no room (literally!) for any junk to
sneak its way into your diet. When you're eating, the
Cleveland Clinic recommends focusing on taking in
a rainbow of colors, from orange carrots to red
strawberries and green lettuce.
Women Nutrition
10 Drink Lemon Water
When You Wake Up
Before you reach for your coffee, make yourself a
warm glass of lemon water. According to the
Cleveland Clinic, the boost of vitamin C and
potassium aids digestion and protects your body
against disease, helping you stay healthy.
11 Drink Infused
Water
Instead of drinking soda, go for some naturally-
sweetened infused water. Whether it's cucumbers
for a zen spa-like experience or some berries, you'll
be hydrated, energized, and ready to take on the
world. And the best part? Unlike soda, there won't be
any negative impacts to your health.
12 Cut Back on
Caffeine
If you need caffeine to kick-start your day, you're not
alone—just make sure you're not going overboard.
According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking over four
cups a day can cause headaches, insomnia, and
irritability—AKA, all things you don't want to deal
with.
13 Eat Dinner Earlier
Life is busy: Eating dinner late happens. But a 2011
study from Northwestern Medicine found making it a
regular occurrence can mess with your metabolism,
increasing your r isk of obesity, as well as
c a rd i ov a s c u l a r, g a s t ro i n t e s t i n a l , a n d
cerebrovascular disorders.
Ships & Ports | 27
How Starzs investments
company is bridging human
capacity gap in maritime industry

Ships & Ports | 28

 How Starzs Investments Company is bridging human capacity gap in maritime industry

Engr. Greg Ogbeifun

Chairman, Starzs Investments Company Limited

Ships & Ports | 29

 Challenges
facing female
seafarers in Nigeria
Female Nigerian seafarers open up on the
challenges they face at work.

Captain vessel that came there for piloting. They

Noimoth also advised me if I don't mind to build my
Akansar career with them. So, I was very happy and
Let me use decided to stay with them since 2012. So,
myself as a ever since then, I am the first female to
case study. navigate all their badges and crew boats. If
When I not for the opportunity they gave me
graduated without discriminating that I did not
from Federal graduate from Oron, where would I have
College of been today?
Fishery and So, during my service there, I have been
Marine dedicated to my job to the extent that I
Technology, I forged ahead to other higher degrees.
faced the Presently, I have Masters in Maritime
challenge of Transport from LadojaAkintola University
securing space for my cadetship. The of Technology. As I speak, I am the
reason is that all the shipping companies I Business Development Manager for
went to told me that I am not from Oron Nigerdock shipyard. I have been with them
and that my school is not recognized, and it for seven years plus and they are busy
is under the Ministry of Agriculture. So, building my career, guiding me, giving me
because of this, they could not give me the professional trainings. I was licensed by
opportunity to serve onboard their vessel. NIMASA. I am also a river Master. If other
I thank God for Nigerdock because if not shipping companies are not
for Nigerdock, I will not be able to be who discriminating, we females in this
I am today. I went to Nigerdock to secure a profession will grow better than this.
place for slot. They told me they don't have
big vessels, they only have crafts and
badges. They intend to put me onboard the

Ships & Ports | 30

 Challenges Facing Female Seafarers in Nigeria

Bukola Somehow, being a leader in that value

Ayeni chain as a woman, I always tell professional
We have a women that they just have to excel and do
lot of more and be better than the men because
challenges. if you are not better than the men, you
The first one cannot occupy that position. When a man in
being that profession makes mistakes, they
recruitment. overlook but if it is a woman, they will be
It is always like no wonder, it's a woman. So, that is why
very difficult a woman needs to lead above board.
for females Aprofessional woman in maritime and
to get shipping needs toengage in capacity
placement building.You have to be skilled and you
onboard have to be dynamic in keeping abreast
because with the digitization in the global
most companies believe females cannot do environment so that you can overcome all
the work. They believe females are not the challenges. In short, a woman in
strong enough to do the job. That is part of maritime or in shipping just needs to think
the challenges we have. outside the box and be well-equipped so
Apart from that, there's sexual harassment. that where the men are, she can also fit in
Being a female when you go to apply, and do better. They always say when you
someone wants to date you or passes train a woman, you are training a nation
sexual advances to you. If you don't fall in, and what a man can do, a woman can do
they may end up not employing you. When better. The challenges are there but I don't
you go onboard as a female, sometimes want the women in maritime to see the
you get harassed. Maybe as a cadet, your challenges, instead they should overcome
captain wants to befriend you. I have such the challenges.
a challenge when I was onboard. But I
thank God I was able to overcome it. Bridget
Adams
Anita Nana I feel it is
Okuribido gender
Generally, inequality.
women have Gender
challenges inequality is
being in the a big
world of problem in
men's the sense
professions. that most
Women in maritime
shipping and investors
women in don't believe
maritime are in the
delving into females. They feel stevedoring is a male
that kind of thing and generally it is a man's world, so
value chain females are not supposed to be onboard.
that has been dominated by men and it is When we have the opportunity to go
only recently that women are now taking onboard, there's sexual harassment. For
their positions in the management of example, if we have 25 people onboard
maritime, shipping and it is tough. The men and just one female, every male would
are kind of resisting. They are wandering want to hang out with that one female at
why should women come and rub the same time.
shoulders with them. Another thing is, when things don't go well,

Ships & Ports | 31

 Challenges Facing Female Seafarers in Nigeria

they feel having a female around is like Itima

having less manpower. For instance, you Franka
have a female engineer and they feel what First of all,
is meant to be done within a short while as a lady our
might take more time with the female. first
From my perspective, I feel gender challenge
inequality is a huge challenge. To us onboard is
female, when we actually go into the field. our family
We feel we can do what the guys are doing because
out there, and that is why we went into it. every lady
But this gender inequality thing is actually or woman
causing a great challenge. will always
For example, if you finish school say 5 think about
years ago, and you have been looking for her family.
how to get a placement onboard, and you Secondly,
have not been able to get a placement. the men you are working with won't see
Since you can't get a placement, you begin you like you are strong and fit for the job.
to think of getting married and settling for So, I feel most times they would want you to
something else. I feel they should give us do the lesser job when you are supposed
an opportunity because we can actually do to do the real job like what brought you
better. I feel there is nothing men do there.
onboard that we cannot do as well. Most times when onboard, women do get
this inferiority complex because of the way
guys behave towards them. We all know

Ships & Ports | 32

 Challenges Facing Female Seafarers in Nigeria

professionally as a woman, you are not thing is discrimination. They believe that
supposed to go after your fellow guy. But we cannot do it but they have forgotten that
some men still want to show affection a woman is very capable.
towards you because they know women are If a woman can carry a child for nine
weaker vessels. months, she is capable of handling any
But the main challenge women face is that situation. And when it comes to the office,
they are not given the opportunity to show women are more competent. We know how
their skills; not given the opportunity to to put things right. I am begging the
bring out their God-given talent, what they shipping companies to try and
really went to learn. accommodate more females. We are out
Ajachukwu Janet there the same way the men are doing, we
The challenges we females face in the can do it.
maritime industry is: most of us are not
being encouraged. When you get there you
see that some persons tend to remind you
that you are a woman and that such jobs
are not meant for women. That is where the
discouragement comes in. So, with this
discouragement so many things have gone
wrong. You might even go in search of
placement; some companies would tell you
we do not take females. These are part of
the challenges we face for reasons best
known to them.
If you are to go by that, it is equivalent to
sayingthat women should not work at all.
But to scrap that case aside and keep the
differences aside, let us see how we can
help them out than putting them away in
the name of 'you are a woman'. Another
challenge is sexual harassment. Some top
officers might just want to use you to
satisfy their sexual urge. Now, it is left for
the authority to pick interest in this case
and see how they can reduce it, else it will Ifoma Aduluwa
keep haunting the females onboard. First of all, I will mention discrimination.
There is discrimination among the
Sandra Iwu shipping companies against female cadets
One of the and female seafarers. Rarely will you see
challenges shipping companies employ female
we have at seafarers but I do hope it will be
sea is they addressed. There is sexual harassment by
don't want to male officers on the vessel. I pray that
give females should be investigated. The weather is also
the chance a challenge but it is something we are
to come already getting used to. We won't say the
onboard. weather is an obstruction or an obstacle.
They believe We'll get to pass that when going onboard,
that it's a these are things we face. So we are always
men's world. ready for it. The things we are not ready for
But the are the discrimination and the sexual
number one harassment onboard vessel.

Ships & Ports | 33

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN)

Comrade Adewale Adeyanju

President-General, MWUN

W omen have played a
very key role in the
g r o w t h a n d
development of Niger ia's
maritime sector in recent
years. Their presence and
contribution to the growth of
the sector have been felt
beyond the shores of Nigeria.
In fact, the world has been
celebrating Nigerian women
in the maritime sector whose
exploits in mar itime law,
administration, port
operations, seaf ar ing,
engineer ing and even
operations of heavy cargo
handling equipment, have
Celebrating
the amazons of Nigeria's
maritime sector
attracted global applause.
Niger ian women have
demystified the mar itime
sector hitherto regarded as
highly technical and tasking,
and therefore a no go area for
wo m e n . I n re c e n t ye a r s ,
women have made in-road into
t h e s e c t o r, e s t a b l i s h e d
themselves firmly there, and
today bestride the sector like a
colossus. They are, indeed, real
amazons.
As the world mar itime
community celebrates this
year's World Maritime Day, we
feel there is no better time than
TOP 50 MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
now to celebrate Nigeria's
women in the maritime sector.
We have showcased 50 of them
who have distinguished
themselves in their various
areas of operation, and have
brought honour and respect to
Nigeria in the process.
We therefore invite you to join
us as we celebrate the
amazons of Nigeria's maritime
sector. This special publication
of Ships & Ports is a collector's
item, a delectable souvenir. It
is a thing of beauty, which as
the saying goes, is a joy
forever.
Ships & Ports | 35
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Gbemi Saraki
G bemi Saraki is a known figure in the
mar itime industry and a woman of
substance in Nigerian politics. Her
knowledge of the industry and contribution to
its progress as the Chairman, Senate
Committee on Marine Transport cannot
easily be forgotten by maritime operators.

Gbemi is currently the Minister of State

f o r T ra n s p o r t a t i o n a p p o i n t e d by
President Muhammadu Buhari on
August 21, 2019. She wasa former
senator, representing the Kwara
Central Senatorial District (2003-
2007). Prior to that, she had been
elected into the House of
Representatives in 1999 to represent
Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency,
Kwara State.

Gbemi attended the University of

Sussex in the United Kingdom and
e a r n e d a B a c h e l o r ' s d e g re e i n
Economics. She did her National Youth
Service at the Nigeria Bank for Commerce
and Industry, Lagos. She worked for the
Societe Generale Bank (Nigeria) as Head of
Money Market and later as Head of Domiciliary
Accounts. From 1994 to 1999 she was Executive
Director of Ashmount Insurance Brokers, Lagos.

She is widely known for her intelligence,

philanthropy, and love for education. It is on record
that besides her father, Dr. Olusola Saraki, no
politician from the North-central zone has given out
as many scholarships as Gbemi Saraki. She served
as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for
eight years(2003-2011), and holds the record of the
female legislator with the highest number of
sponsored bills in Nigeria. As a legislator, she was
an active member of House Committees, including
House Committee on Aviation, Legislative Budget
and Research Office, Navy, Privatization, Special
She is widely known for her intelligence,
philanthropy, and love for education. It is
on record that besides her father, Dr. Olusola
Saraki, no politician from the North-central zone
has given out as many scholarships as Gbemi
Saraki. She served as a Senator of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria for eight years(2003-2011),
and holds the record of the female legislator with the
highest number of sponsored bills in Nigeria.
Duties, and Transport.
In the Senate, Gbemi also chaired several high
profile committees, including, the Senate
Committee on National Planning, Pover ty
Alleviation and Economic Affairs, Committee on
Corruption and lastly Committee on Marine
Transport. Apart from being the chairperson of the
above mentioned committees, she also acted as
Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on
Foreign Affairs and belonged to the following
Committees:1. Media and Publicity, Women Affairs
and Youth development, Environment and Ecology,
Public Accounts, Commerce, Rules and Business,
Police Affairs, and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Gbemisola was also a returning member of the
ECOWAS Parliament. She is engaged in numerous
charity and humanitarian projects for the people of
Kwara State and her humanitarian disposition is
rated as the biggest among elites in the State.

Ships & Ports | 36

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Lynda Ikpeazu
L ynda Chuba-Ikpeazu, is currently the
Chairman, Federal House of Representatives
Committee on Maritime Administration and
Education. A known politician from Anambra State,
Lynda is the daughter of a judge and two-time
holder of a bachelor's degree in communication, a
master's degree in Business Administration, and
another bachelor's degree in Law. She was a
member of the House of Representatives from 1999
to 2003.
N i g e r i a Fo o t b a l l A s s o c i a t i o n c h a i r m a n
ChubaIkpeazu. In 2004, Lynda Ikpeazuwas the winner of the
Nigerian National Assembly election, representing
She was educated in Onitsha North-South
Nigeria, England, and federal constituency as
After a period of absence in elective
in America, where she a candidate of the
worked as a model. In position, she staged a comeback in the People's Democratic
1 9 8 6 , C h u b a - last Presidential and National Assembly Party.
Ikpeazuwon the first
Most Beautiful Girl in election, and got re-elected into the House A f t e r a p e r i o d o f
Niger ia pageant. In of Representatives where she now chairs absence in elective
1987 she was the first position, she staged a
the House Committee on Maritime
Nigerian in Miss comeback in the last
Universe since Edna Administration and Education. P re s i d e n t i a l a n d
Park in 1964, and her National Assembly
biggest pageant achievement was when she was election, and got re-elected into the House of
crowned Miss Africa in the same year. Representatives where she now chairs the House
Committee on Maritime Administration and
After her reign, Lynda became a business woman Education.
in Lagos, venturing into oil servicing. She is a

Ships & Ports | 37

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Hadiza
Bala-Usman

H adiza is a woman who has

taken Nigerian maritime
industry by storm. Prior to
her appointment as the managing
director of Nigerian Ports Authority
(NPA), she was not known in the
industry. But her appointment as
NPA boss gave her the opportunity
to prove that a woman can do
better what a man can do, as she
has proved skeptics wrong, and
turned things around in NPA,
bestriding areas where her male
predecessors feared to tread and
reversing abnormalities and
wrongs of the past in the nation's
economic gateway.

Her learning ability and

management capability has
stunned the maritime
industry.Since her appointment in
July 2016,Hadiza has accelerated
the port reforms of 2006, and
combated the deeply-entrenched
corruption in the government
agency. She has brought
transparency in NPA budgets and
financial management. She has
passion led her to take a leading
position in the #BringBackOurGirls
Hadiza has made history as the first campaign of the kidnapped Chibok
female managing director of NPA in its 63 girls.
years of existence. She is also poised to make Hadiza has received many awards
history in her pursuit of an aggressive 25-year in the areas of governance, girl child
port development plan that will provide a clear education and women emancipation.
She is the Vice President (African
overview of Nigerian port system which is vital Region) for the International
for guided port development. Association of Ports and Harbours
(IAPH). Early this year, she was
elected the Vice chairman of the
killed monopoly in the port Facilitation Committee of the
industry in order to achieve one of International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the period
the objectives of the port reforms 2019-2020.
which is to bring efficiency in port
operations through competition. Hadiza has made history as the first female managing director
of NPA in its 63 years of existence. She is also poised to make
As a social and political activist, history in her pursuit of an aggressive 25-year port development
Hadiza has been championing plan that will provide a clear overview of Nigerian port system
women empowerment. This which is vital for guided port development.
Ships & Ports | 38
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Princess (Dr.)

Vicky
Haastrup

P rincess Vicky Haastrup is the

Executive Vice-
Chairman/CEO of ENL
Consortium, operators of Terminals
C and D at the Lagos Ports
Complex, Apapa. A revelation of
Nigerian ports reforms and
concession of 2006, Vicky is the
Chairman, Seaport Terminal
Operators Association of Nigeria
(STOAN).

Princess Haastrup came into the

maritime industry with great
courage and aplomb having had
no education or experience in
maritime, before the responsibility
of operating Terminals C and D of
Apapa Port was thrust on her
feminine shoulders. “Port
operations is supposed to be a
masculine business, but I have
entrenched myself in the industry
and proved that women can do it
better than men,” she quips.

Indeed, with a lot of courage and

intellectual capacity, she has
excelled in Nigeria's difficult port
Princess Haastrup came into the
maritime industry with great courage
and aplomb having had no education or
experience in maritime, before the
responsibility of operating Terminals C and
D of Apapa Port was thrust on her
feminine shoulders.
business terrain. Through research,
enquiries, seeking advice where
necessary, she was able to develop
herself, and within six months,
achieved a mastery of the industry
and port operations. She believes
strongly that there is no height a
woman cannot reach. Despite her
royal background, she has a deep
sense of responsibility and
hardwork.
Princess Vicky's passion for service
to humanity, has earned her several
awards both locally and
internationally, including winning
the Shipping Personality of the Year
for three consecutive times since
2011. She is the current President of
the Certified Institute of Shipping of
Nigeria (CISN) and a Trustee of
Women in Logistics and Transport.
Princess (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup is credited with several
achievements and philanthropic service in the maritime
industry. She also stands out as a strong advocate of women
empowerment. Growing up, Princess Vicky she grew up in a
mindset never to be pulled down but to become an
exceptional woman.

Ships & Ports | 39

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Margret
Orakwusi

M
rs. Margret Orakwusi is one
of Nigeria's foremost
maritime lawyers, and a
founding member of Consolidated
Legal Practice. She has handled a
variety of admiralty and maritime
cases, including cargo claims,
collision, limitation of liability,
personal injury, salvage, marine
liability, vessel arrests, seamen and
longshoreman injuries, various types
of liens, warranty issues, vessel
mortgage and documentation,
salvage, vessel fires and vessel
repair disputes.

Her exploits in the maritime industry

is not limited to law practice, as she
is a celebrated name in fish trawling
in Nigeria. She is the CEO of
MORBOD Fisheries Ltd, and an Ex-
President, Nigerian Trawler
Operators Association (NITOA).

Margret's qualifications and

accomplishments are too numerous
to enumerate. Suffice it to mention
that she is Member, Board of
Trustees, Ship Owners Association of
Nigeria (SOAN), and the first Vice-

seafood productsexported from Nigeria 2008 –

2011.
Her exploits in the maritime industry
is not limited to law practice, as she is She was also the first Vice President, Women
a celebrated name in fish trawling in Economic Strategic Association (WESA),
Nigeria. She is the CEO of MORBOD Council Member, Nigerian – Danish Chamber
of Commerce, Industryand Agriculture.
Fisheries Ltd, and an Ex-President,
N i g e r i a n Tr a w l e r O p e r a t o r s Mrs. Orakwusi has served the country in
Association (NITOA). various capacities, including serving as a
member, Legal Committee of Indigenous Ship
Owners Association of Nigeria on the review of
President of the association. She is the Presidential Committee Report of the Federal Government on
also member of Nigerian Maritime Harnessing the Potentials of the Maritime Sector for Sustainable
Law Association and Nigerian Bar Economic Development and as Board Member, Nigerian Shippers
Association.She was the first Council 2018 to date. She was also a member, National Taskforce
Chairperson, Women Corporate on the Implementation ofInternational Maritime Organization
Directors (WCD) Nigeria, Co- (IMO) Ballast WaterManagementConvention in Nigeria 2009.
Chairman, Nigerian Fisheries Margret's local and international awards are also too numerous to
Laboratory, a joint venture between accommodate here. Her advice to women is never to play down
the Private Sector (NITOA) and the their potentials, seeing effective time management as
Federal Government(Ministry of indispensable for women's advancement in their chosen
Agriculture) established to certify endeavoursand coping with family obligations.
Ships & Ports | 40
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Ify
Anozonwu
Akerele
I ffy Anozonwu Akerele is one
of the women that have made
a name in the maritime sector
of the Nigerian economy. She is
among the first few women in the
maritime industry, and the
pioneer Director-General of
Nigerian Chamber of Shipping,
an affiliate to the International
Chamber of Shipping. She led
the Chamber for ten years, and
was honoured with a life
member of the Board of Trustees.
She was also a former President
of Women in Shipping and Trade
Association (WISTA),
andMember and Ambassador of
the Women in Maritime Africa.
everyone found it difficult to
cope, especially her mum who
Elegant, delectable lady
Iffy started her career with the whose pretty mien belies
Federal Ministry of Internal was still quite young. To
Affairs (NIIA), and later served as compound everything, one month her hard background, Iffy
the Special Assistant and later, the civil war broke out. “I believes that her
Administrative Assistant to the automatically grew up fast and organizational flair stemmed
DG, Nigerian Institute of learnt to look after my siblings
and my mum who was quite from her childhood. As a
International Affairs. She later set
up the Institute of Directors of shattered. I just found myself thirteen-year-old girl, she had
Nigeria with some others, being strong for other people, lost her father who was a
working as the Executive hardly remembering my own self. prominent medical
Secretary. From there, she I don't know who gave me the
mandate, but I felt I was the one to practitioner. The death was a
moved to the Nigerian Institute of
Management, and then to the protect the family,” she always rude shock to the closely-knit
Presidential Liaison Office in the recalls. family and everyone found it
senate during Obasanjo difficult to cope, especially her
administration. This childhood experience
prepared her for life of mum who was still quite young.
She holds a Bachelor of Science management of men and To compound everything, one
degree in Sociology from the resources. Unknown to her she month later, the civil war broke
University of Lagos, a Master's was being empowered with skills out. “I automatically grew up
degree in International Relations that would shape her destiny.
Looking back now at how those fast and learnt to look after my
and Corporate Administration.
organizational skills have siblings and my mum who was
Elegant, delectable lady whose contributed tremendously to her quite shattered. I just found
pretty mien belies her hard success as the pioneer DG of the myself being strong for other
background, Iffy believes that NCS, transforming the chamber
from nothing to a key player in people, hardly remembering
her organizational flair stemmed
from her childhood. As a the maritime industry, Iffy says my own self. I don't know who
thirteen-year-old girl, she had she has got every reason to be gave me the mandate, but I felt
lost her father who was a grateful for those bitter childhood I was the one to protect the
prominent medical practitioner. pills. She is indeed a bundle of
inspiration to young, growing family,” she always
The death was a rude shock to
the closely-knit family and women. recalls.

Ships & Ports | 41


“
Monica started her law career
as a young lawyer at the
Federal Ministry of Justice
where she went through all
the departments. This
enabled her to amass vast and
valuable experience that
made her the choice of the
United Nations in a job
contest amongst many
candidates in those days.
”
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
Monica Mbanefo
M rs. Monica Mbanefo is one of Nigeria's
foremost legal luminaries in the
maritime sector and a legal gift to the
world. A lawyer with over 46 years of experience
out of which 39were spent in the transport and
maritime industry where she had been at the
centre in the formulation of polices at national,
inter-governmental and international levels.
Mrs. Mbanefo was Nigerian delegate to the
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
meetings of the Council, Assembly and Legal
Committee from 1984 to 1990. She led many
delegations to IMO and the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD).
Monica started her law career as a young lawyer
at the Federal Ministry of Justice where she went
through all the departments. This enabled her to
amass vast and valuable experience that made
her the choice of the United Nations in a job
contest amongst many candidates in those days.
She recalls that the Ministry of Justice where she
was mentored,they didn't just do the job but they
worked closely with the supervisors and
directors, and the experience was very
rewarding.”
In 1991 she joined the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), and was appointed Senior
Deputy Director/Legal Office of the organization.
In this capacity, she was the Secretary to the
Legal Committee of IMO and secretary to several
diplomatic conferences which adopted Liability
Conventions and Protocols during the period.
As Director of Conference Division, Mrs.Mbanefo
was in charge of about 112 out of 300 staff of over
organization and reports directly to the Secretary
General- IMO.She was among the six contestants
for the position of the Secretary-General of the
international maritime organization in 2003. She
retired from the organization as Director of the
Technical Cooperation Division.
Talking about women, Monica once said, “Today,
women are captains of ships! There is nothing
that a resilient woman can't achieve! The fact that
they cope with managing the home, children,
babies and everywhere shows that they have
learnt to multitask and they can be very resilient.
When they want to do something they can be
very stubborn and persistent.”
Ships & Ports | 42
 Since 2006, Ships & Ports has proven to be a highly effective
platform for information sharing and a source for up-to-date and
relevant news for maritime industry professionals worldwide.
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Mfon
Usoro

M fon Ekong Usoro is one of

Nigeria's legal luminaries
in the maritime sector. A
graduate of Sociology and Law,
Mfon specializes in
Telecommunications Law, Banking
and Finance, Foreign Investment,
Environmental Law, Petroleum and
Gas, Maritime, Intellectual
Properties, Company and
Commercial Law, Advocacy and
Arbitration. She was admitted to
the Nigerian bar in 1996.

Mfon is a recipient of many local

and international prizes such as
Alan Sneath Prize for Best
Performance in Bachelor of Laws,
University of Buckingham, 1994,
Civil Procedure Prize-Bar Finals,
Nigerian Law School, 1996, Civil &
Criminal Procedure Prize-Bar
Finals, Nigerian Law School, 1996,
Member, Nigerian Chapter, Women
International Shipping and Trading
Association (WISTA).

Mfon is the Secretary General of

West and Central Africa
development in Nigeria
earned her the appointment
Her devotion to the maritime sector and as the Chairperson of Ibom
port development in Nigeria earned her Deep Seaport
Implementation Committee
the appointment as the Chairperson of Ibom by her state of origin, Akwa
Deep Seaport Implementation Committee by Ibom State, a project she is
passionately pursuing its
her state of origin, Akwa Ibom State, a actualization.
project she is passionately pursuing its From April 2-4 2019, Usoro
actualization. chaired the 6th WISTA Africa
Regional Conference in
Accra, Ghana which was
Memorandum of Understanding on attended by the Secretary
Port State Control, known as the General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr.
Abuja MOU, and the pioneer Kitack Lim. The Conference had the theme: “The Role of
Director General of the Nigerian Women in Harnessing the Potential of Africa Blue Economy”.
Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency (NIMASA).Her devotion to Mfon has brought honour to Nigerian women, especially those
the maritime sector and port in the maritime sector as an internationally acclaimed
maritime lawyer.
Ships & Ports | 44
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Aina Egharevba
A ina Egharevba has made history in the
Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) as the
first female Executive Director. She
was appointed Executive Director,
Marine and Operations of NPA in
November 2007, a position she held
till December 2011. Before her
appointment as the first female ED,
E g h a re v b a s e r v e d a s P o r t
Manager of the then RORO Port
and later as Port Manager of the
nation's premier seaport, the
Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.

A woman much respected and

a d m i re d f o r h e r c o u ra ge,
forthrightness, outstanding
a c h i eve m e n t s a n d n o bl e
qualities, she played an active
role in the actualization of the
federal government's port reform
programme of 2006. She served in
several government committees.

She has been credited with many feats

in all the key positions she held
including streamlining marine and cargo
handling operations at the Apapa Port, and
creating a policy that eased traffic in Apapa
during her tenure.

Egharevba, joined NPA as Personnel Officer I at

Warri Port.She holds a Bachelors of Education
(English and Literature) of the University of
Benin, and attended several trainings and
obtained professional diplomas and certificates A highly pro-active, focused and versatile team
from various institutions across the world. It was player, she hasa proven track record in the
because of her burning desire to improve management of both human and material
herself and add more value to the society that resources.
fired her into taking a series of
professional courses in Shipping and
Por t Management, Inter national A woman much respected and admired
Marketing and Ship Brokerage after f o r h e r c o u ra g e , f o r t h r i g h t n e s s ,
gaining employment with NPA. Prior to
outstanding achievements and noble
that, she had a stint as a lecturer.
qualities, she played an active role in the
Egharevba is a Fellow of the Nautical actualization of the federal government's
Institute of Technology and the
port reform programme of 2006. She served
Chartered Institute of Logistics and
Transport (CILT). She is also a member in several government committees.
of the Chartered Institute of Marketing,
London.
Ships & Ports | 45

Chinwe Ezenwa
C hinwe Ezenwa has been on top
positions in Nigeria's maritime sector,
having held the position of Deputy
Director, Shipping Development Management
in the Federal Ministry of Transport (March
and December 2008), and Acting Managing
Brittania-U's main objectives,
a c c o rd i n g t o U j u i n c l u d e
people's well-being, better
quality of life, job opportunities,
and a safe and clean
environment.
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
Director/Chief Executive Officer
of the National Inland Waterways
Authority, (NIWA) in 2009, and
subsequently made the Director
of Maritime Services, Federal
Ministry of Transport.
Chinwe graduated with B.Sc. and
M.B.A degree Library studies,
from Enugu State University of
Science and Technology and
Concordia University, Montreal,
Canada, respectively. She has
worked for more than thirty-five
(35) years in governmental
andnon-governmental
organizations, consultancy and
management/policy positions.
As a Librarian, she started her
career with the Montreal Star
Publishing Company, Canada
and later the state House, Lagos.
From 1985-1987, Mrs. Ezenwa
worked with the Federal Ministry
of Education as the Principal
Librarian. During her period
there, she acquired excellent
technical and policy
formulation/implementation
skills. Chinwe is prudent and has
a very keen vision for
transformational potentials in
her career. Her undisputed
performance and unique record projected her
to high sensitive positions including: Assistant
to the Honourable Minister of Education
(2001-2002) Assistant Director, Police Service
Commission (2002-2003), Deputy Director
(Personnel Management), Police Service
Commission (2003-2005), Deputy Director
(SERVICOM Unit), Police Service Commission
(2005-2006).
She retired from Civil Service in 2011,
and has continued to excel as an
entrepreneur. She isthe owner of an
indigenous bag manufacturing
company. Mrs. Ezenwa was invited to
join the Board of Brittania-U in 2011. She
is the Chief Executive Officer, Ocean
Serve & Logistics Ltd.
Ships & Ports | 46
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Lami
Tumaka

H ajia Lami Tumaka, is a

household name in Nigerian
maritime industry, and a
director at the Nigerian Maritime
Administration and Safety Agency
(NIMASA). She has over three
decades experience in journalism
and public relations in both the
public and private sectors, spending
the better part of this working years
as the image maker of NIMASA.

She came to the Nigerian apex

maritime regulatory agency, the
National Maritime Authority (NMA)
now NIMASA as Chief Research
Officer and later transferred to the
public relations department.

Hajia Lami holds a Bachelors and

Master degrees in English Literature
and Business Administration from the
Ahmadu Bello University. She taught
for five years before joining the
Nigerian Television Authority (NTA),
Minna, and rose to the position of
news editor within four years. She
left journalism for public relations
when she got employed by Peugeot
Automobile Nigeria Limited, Kaduna,
becoming the company's public
consummate public relations and strategic
Hajia Lami's excellent public relations media expert, loved by the media. This is why
and communication skills have been of the responsibility to reposition the image of
NIMASA has always fallen on her shoulders
tremendous advantage to NIMASA in times of after periods of image crisis.
dwindling public goodwill. Her resourcefulness,
analytical mind and top-notch communication She has received various awards in the
industry including the award of Most
skills make her the quintessential and Outstanding Maritime Industry Image Maker
consummate public relations and by maritime journalists. She is a fellow of the
strategic media expert, loved by the media. Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Tumaka.

relations manager in 1995 from
where she came to NMA, three years
later.
Hajia's excellent public relations and
communication skills have been of
tremendous advantage to NIMASA in
times of dwindling public goodwill.
Her resourcefulness, analytical mind
and top-notch communication skills
make her the quintessential and
Often referred to as the Northern Belle, Lamialso holds a diploma
in Public Relations fromHollborn College, London and Certificate
in Basic Film Production from the Television College, Jos. She was
the pioneer chairperson of Niger State Women in Media.
Currently, Hajia Tumaka is the Director, Special Duties in the
Office of the Director- General with responsibilities for external
relations and technical cooperation. As part of the repositioning of
NIMASA, she takes direct responsibility over all areas of technical
cooperation between NIMASA and other stakeholders both
foreign and local.
Ships & Ports | 47

Aishatu Jummai Musa
A
isha Jummai Musa is a seasoned
administrator in Nigeria's maritime sector.
She has over 30 years' experience in
coordinating administrative activities, improving
work processes, and implementing best practices
and policies in the sector. She is also adept at leading
research, and strategic planning for organizational
growth and development.
Aisha is the Director, Administration/Human Resources
at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency (NIMASA). With a solid expertise in Human
Resources Management, Aisha supervises the updating
of internal database, guides operating methods and
implements the Agency's organizational vision, policies,
and goals. She also coordinates training, pension, health
safety and environment policies, general services and
projects, transport and logistics; oversees all matters
relating to facilities and administration, including
building lease, front desk, supply resource management
and records function. She also monitors daily office
operations, developing and overseeing office standard
o p e ra t i n g p ro c e d u re s a m o n g m a ny o t h e r
responsibilities.
Aisha has a strong passion for delivering the best on the
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
job and achieving outstanding job records. From 2017-
2018, she was the Director, Planning, Research and Data
Management Department of NIMASA where she was in
charge of NIMASA's planning, research, data management
activities, quarterly MPR and bi-annual retreat. She also
coordinated the
development and implementation of corporate strategic
plans, and monitored the agency performance and
ensured the achievement of set indicators.
As the Director of Planning, Research and Data
M a n a ge m e n t , s h e p a r t i c i p a t e d a c t ive ly i n t h e
development, review and implementation of research
policy and strategies, and implemented management
controls and reporting procedures, ensuring that the
management team has up to date situational awareness of
all core issues and operating data pertinent to sound
decision-making.
Aisha was NIMASA's Zonal Coordinator, Central and
W e s t e r n Z o n a l O f f i c e s f r o m
2011 – 2017. She was the Registrar of Ships (2005-2010)
where she was responsible for monitoring the registration
of vessels flying the Nigerian flag and implementing the
provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act (MSA) and
International Conventions on Ship Registration among
other related functions.
Other positions of responsibility she has held in NIMASA
include Head (Ship Acquisition and Ship Building Fund
Aisha has a strong passion for delivering
the best on the job and achieving
outstanding job records. From 2017-2018,
she was the Director, Planning, Research and
Data Management Department of NIMASA
where she was in charge of NIMASA's planning,
research, data management activities,
quarterly MPR and bi-annual retreat.
Unit)2000 – 2005), Ag Secretary NMA Board of Directors,
1999 – 2000 and Chief Legal Officer (1996-1999).
Before joining NIMASA, Aisha had worked with Aishatu
Maimuna & Co. (Solicitors & Advocates) – Principal
Partner, Alpha Services Limited, Kaduna, Alhaji Y. A.
Ahmed & Sons Limited, Kaduna – Secretary/Legal Adviser
and the Department of Legal Drafting, Kaduna State House
of Assembly as Legal Intern (NYSC) 1983 – 1984.
Aisha attended the prestigious Queen Amina College,
Kaduna where she obtained her West African School
Certificate before proceeding to Bayero University, Kano
(School of General Studies) to receive General Certificate
of Education. She then went to Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria where she got her Bachelor of Law degree and was
called to the Bar in 1983.
She has served in many committees too numerous to
mention, and has attended international and local courses
relating to shipping, legal, and maritime.
Ships & Ports | 48
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Dabney Shall-Holma
D abney Shall-Holma is a distinguished
maritime womanwith deep knowledge
of the industry and the dynamics of
i n t e r n a t i o n a l t r a d e . H e r k n ow l e d g e ,
professionalism and finesse are widely
acknowledged.
Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holmaserved the Nigeria
Shippers Council (NSC) for over three
decades, and she was so meritorious in her
service that she was appointed member into
many presidential and ministerial committees.
She retired from the Council as Director,
She was employed in Shippers Council in 1989.
Throughout her stay at the Council, she handled
trade negotiation, trade statistics, directional
split of transportation traffic, cargo tracking,
ensuring fair trade practices in import and
export and creating standards and ensuring
compliance.
She holds a B.sc degree in Political Science from
the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a Master
of Science (M.sc) degree in International
Transport Studiesfrom the University of
Cardiff/PrifysgolCaerdydd.

D a b n ey S h a l l - H o l m a h a s
Apart from always leading NSC's first eleven in retired from the Niger ian
matters of representation on international trade, Shippers Council but not from
Dabney is be remembered in the industry for her the maritime industry as she is
contributions and achievements including, the currently the chairperson of
the Sealink Implementation
International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Africa, Committee, a project that is
benchmark freight rates, representing Nigeria in aimed at bridging the
international meetings on issues of transit trade, waterways infrastructure gap
attending World Trade Organization (WTO) and enhancing the nation's
meetings on trade facilitation, etc. trade in the ECOWAS sub-
re g i o n wh i c h i s b e i n g
promoted by the Nigerian
Commercial Shipping. She is an expert in trade Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) in partnership
facilitation and negotiation, capacity building with the National Inland Waterways Authority
in transport and logistics and in cargo tracking and Sealink Promotional Company Ltd.
and risk management mechanisms.

She is a God-fearing woman, known for

h a rd wo r k , i n t e l l i g e n c e a n d f l a i r f o r
networking. She is calm, humble, beautiful and
unassuming. To all her colleagues in the
Nigerian Shippers Council, both big and small,
young and old, she was simply a 'mother'.

Apart from always leading NSC's first eleven in

matters of representation on international
trade, Dabney is be remembered in the
industry for her contributions and
achievements including, the International
Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Africa,
benchmark freight rates, representing Nigeria
in international meetings on issues of transit
trade, attending World Trade Organization
(WTO) meetings on trade facilitation, etc.

Ships & Ports | 49


A isha Ali Ibrahim is the current Assistant General
Manager (Operations) of the Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA). Prior to the latest deployments
in the organization in June, she was the Port Manager of
Lagos Port Complex, (LPC) Apapa.
As the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Nigeria's
premier and largest seaport, she worked assiduously to
ensure efficiency of operations handled in the port by
five terminal operators, two logistics bases and jetties.
Her job also included monitoring and ensuring
compliance with Lease Agreements by the terminals,
coordinating all government agencies operating in the
port and ensuring a conducive and user-friendly
environment in addition to managing over 600 officers
and staff in the complex.
Aisha has also served NPA as Senior Manager, Traffic
from January 2000 –September 2006. Before then, she
had worked as Terminal Manager in charge of cargo
handling andcoordinated the receiving, storage and
delivery of cargo (1996-2000).
Hajia Aisha Ibrahim is the Global Convener, Women in
Logistics and Transport (WILAT) and the Founder and
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
Aisha
Ali Ibrahim
Aisha Ali Ibrahim has
demonstrated a great zeal
incontributing to the
empowerment of women
in logistics and transport
globally, by initiating and
supporting empowerment
programmes for women,
and encouraging the
young to take up
challenging careers in the
sector.
Chairperson. She is also the Global Convener of CILT
Women Logistics and Transport. She was appointed the
Global WiLAT Convener at the launch of the Global
group at the International Conference of theCILT in Sri-
Lanka in June 2013. In that capacity, she represents the
female members of the Chartered Institute of Logistics
and Transport in Nigeria in the Institute. The group
which she started in Nigeria presently consists of nine
countries with more coming on board.
She holds a Master's (M.sc) Degree in Transport from
the University of Wales, Cardiff, UK (1993-1994), after
obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Public
Administration from the Academic Staff College of
Nigeria (ASCON) Topo, Badagary, Lagos and a Bachelor
of Science (B.sc) degree in International Studies from
the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Aisha Ali Ibrahim has demonstrated a great zeal
incontributing to the empowerment of women in
logistics and transport globally, by initiating and
supporting empowerment programmes for women, and
encouraging the young to take up challenging careers
in the sector.
Ships & Ports | 50
 Import/Export Handling

Reefer services

Add hoc services on request

OOG and Break Bulk Cargo

Customs Examination

West Africa Container Terminal, The Onne Port Complex, Federal

Ocean Terminal Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
+234 8090335116, +234 8090335101 | customerservice@wact.ng
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Eniola
Williams

M rs. Eniola Idowu Williams is

one of those driving the
legal department of the
Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA). She
was born at Ibadan, Oyo state of
Nigeria, and obtained a Bachelor of
Laws Degree (LLB) in 1985 from the
University of Lagos. She was called to
the Nigerian Bar in 1986, after which
she undertook the National Youth
Service Corps (NYSC) and carried
out her primary assignment at the
Secretary/Legal Division of the
federal government sponsorship
at the IMO International Maritime
Mrs. Williams has maintained an Law Institute (IMLI) Malta, in 1998.
She graduated with a Distinction
unbroken career progression in the and earned a prize as the best
maritime industry with the Nigerian Ports performing Student in the “Law of
the Sea”.
Authority. Her service at NPA has
Mrs. Williams has maintained an
spanned over two decades, serving in unbroken career progression in
various capacities in the the maritime industry with the
Nigerian Ports Authority. Her
Secretary/Legal Division. service at NPA has spanned over
two decades, serving in various
capacities in the Secretary/Legal
Nigerian Ports Authority. Because of
Division.
her brilliant and creditable
performance, she was retained in the
Eniola once served as the Special Assistant to one of the former
department after her service year.
Managing Directors in the course of her employment. She
currently occupies the position of General Manager in charge of
Eniola obtained her Master of Law
Secretary/Legal Division and is the Chairperson of the NPA Anti-
Degree (LLM) in International
Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
Maritime Law in service under the

Ships & Ports | 52

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Chinwe
work, prof essionalism,
creativity and good morals.

She is a member of the

American Academy of

Ijeoma Abama Ophthalmology, a member of

the American Association for
P hy s i c i a n L e a d e r s h i p, a n

D r. C h i n we l j e o m a
Abama is the General
Manager, Office of the
Managing Director, Nigerian
Ports Authority (NPA).She holds
a medical degree from the
College of Medicine, University
of Lagos. She is an
ophthalmologist and an
accomplished administrator in
the medical sphere. Prior to her
appointment as General
M a n a ge r, O f f i c e o f t h e
Managing Director, Dr. Abama
was the Head and first female
General Manager of NPA's
Medical Division.
Chinwe has passion for people-
centred health activities which
prompted the implementation
of several health programmes in
the Nigerian Ports Authority for
the employee wellbeing, which
has impacted positively on their
level of awareness in disease
prevention, lif estyle
modification with increased
productivity. As Head of the NPA
Medical Division, she paid
particular attention
sensitisation and screening
exercises for prevention of the
workforce against hepatitis,
meningitis, cervical cancer,
HIV/AIDS and vaccinations
where applicable. She and her
team also made rigorous efforts
towards the control of
hyper tension and malar ia
among the NPA employees.
Dr. Abama is very resilient and
keys into oppor tunities in
b u i l d i n g t a l e n t s t h ro u g h
mentoring and coaching in
everyday practice by
exercising the virtues of hard
alumnus of the prestigious
Lagos Business School (LBS) and
a member of the Women in
Logistics and Transport
( W I L AT ) wh e re s h e wa s
conferred with an award of
"Role Model" in June 2015.
She attended annual meetings
of the European Association of
Study of the Liver (EASL) in
B a rc e l o n a , S p a i n i n 2 0 1 2 ;
Amsterdam in 2013, and also
participated at the Global
Hepatitis Summit 2018 in
Toronto, Canada where she
signed up for NOhep Medical
Visionary – a global movement
to eliminate viral hepatitis by
2030. She also attended several
programmes in healthcare
quality and safety management
as well as in leadership and
management.

Her vision is to improve and

e n h a n c e t h e we l l b e i n g o f
women through education with
meaningful interactive
relationships that engender
modification in lifestyles with
emphasis on vocation.

Presently she serves as the

G en er al M an ager,
Monitoring and Regulatory
Services where she
coordinates and monitors
compliance and regulatory
activities of the Authority's
concessionaires.

Ships & Ports | 53

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Ugo Ugo is a Fellow of the Certified Institute of

Cost Management, a Fellow of the Institute
of Chartered Management Auditors,

Madubuike Fellow of the Institute of Chartered

Management Accountants, and a certified
Public Private Partnership Specialist of the

U go Madubuike is the General Manager,

Monitoring & Regulatory Services, Nigerian
Ports Authority (NPA). She joined the Nigerian
Ports Authority in April, 1996 as a Manager in the Audit
Department of the Lagos Port Complex, and has worked
Institute of Public Private Partnerships,
Washington.

in TinCan Island Port, Port Harcourt Port, Eastern Ports Presently she serves as the
and Western Ports headquarters from where she later G en er al M an ager,
became the General Manager, Audit from 2009 to 2013.
Monitoring and Regulatory
Between 2013 and Sept. 2016, she moved from Audit to Services where she
become the General Manager, Business Development
and Joint Ventures, and in 2016, she moved to Special coordinates and monitors
D u t i e s wh e re s h e re l a t e d w i t h i n t e r n a t i o n a l compliance and regulatory
organizations and ports on behalf of NPA.
activities of the Authority's
Presently she serves as the General Manager, concessionaires.
Monitoring and Regulatory Services where she
coordinates and monitors compliance and regulatory
activities of the Authority's concessionaires.

Ugo hails from Item in Bende Local Government Area of

Abia State. She started her basic education in London in
the early 70s, had her Secondary School education
in Lagos and graduated from Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria in 1987 with a Bachelor's
degree in Microbiology.

After her National Youth Service Corp

program at the Niger ian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1988,
she proceeded to acquire an MBA at the
Rivers State University of Science and
Technology, after which she began her
working career at Leading Edge
Investment Co. Victoria Island, Lagos
and rose to become the Head of
Treasury.

She has attended many training and

professional courses both within and
outside Nigeria including, Regulatory
Impact Analysis (RIA): Principles of
Regulation Institute for Public Private
Partnerships Washington, DC.; Changing the
Game: Negotiation and Competitive Decision
Making, Harvard Business School, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing a Concessioned Port,
Landlord Port Model, Apec/Flanders Training Institute,
Port of Antwerp, Belgium andStrategic Financial
Planning, Crown Agents, Surrey, UK etc.
Ships & Ports | 54
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Hariratu
Mohammed Hariratu is a hardworking
woman, and has held
H ariratu Mohammed is the General Manager,
Ser vicom, Niger ian Por ts Author ity
(NPA).Started her working career with the
Nigerian Ports Authority in September in 1986 as
Personnel Officer 2 in the Personnel Department, where
several positions of
responsibility within and
outside the Nigerian ports
she rose to the rank of AGM HR/Operations in 2011. She Authority.She is proactive
became the General Manager, Servicom in 2018.
and has a dynamic
She has attended several conferences and workshops leadership quality
within and outside Nigeria. She is a Fellow of the
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
and was the Vice President,West of the CILT from 2016 to
2018. She is also one of the pioneer members of Women
in Logistics and Transport. (WILAT), an affiliate of CILT
and had been one time it's Welfare Officer (2010 to She attended St. Theresa's Primary School,
2014). She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Jimeta Yola in Adamawa State and Army
Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) as well as a Command School, Zaria, Kaduna State. She
full member of the Nigerian Institute of Management is a product of Queen Amina College,
(NIM). Kaduna from 1976 to 1981. She attended the
School of Basic Studies, (SBS), ABU Zaria
Hariratu is a hardworking woman, and has held several from 1981 to 1982. In 1982, she commenced
positions of responsibility within and outside the her B.A. History and graduated in 1985. She
Nigerian ports Authority.She is proactive and has a served the NYSC in Sokoto State and
dynamic leadership quality.She is married with passed out in August 1986.
children.

Ships & Ports | 55

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Funke
Agbor

M rs. Funke Agbor, is one of

the shining stars in
Nigeria's maritime industry.
A legal luminary of repute, she is a
Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Called
to the bar in 1982, she is the first
female maritime lawyer in the
country to become a SAN. A past
President of Women's International
Shipping and Trading Association
(WISTA) Nigeria, Funke has
participated very actively in the
development and formulation of
maritime policies in Nigeria,such
that she is acknowledged as an
authority in the industry.

She believes the maritime sector is a

very important sector of the
economy which the government has
not fully appreciated. This lack of
appreciation of the sector has made
it difficult for government to put the
right people in the right places to
drive the Nigerian economy. She
says at the moment what Nigeria has
as maritime is the oil and gas
sector,that is, offshore oil
trading,since offshore oil and gas
sector depends on maritime
Insurance Law and Litigation, Ship Finance
GQ: Securitisation and International Trade
She counsels that a woman can be a Law EQ: Commercial Arbitration.
wife, mother and at the same time
have a successful career. But they should She brings her twenty-eight (28) years of
legal experience, tothe litigation and
not benchmark themselves against men arbitration group, representing clients on a
who are of the same age with them in order broad range of maritime transactions
including matters such as cargo loss and
not to face disappointments, advising damage claims, collisions and other
young women never to rush. maritime casualties in trial and appellate
courts in Nigeria and internationally.
transportation. But the real maritime
Funke is a graduate of the University of Lagos and has an LLM
sector which is international
from the University College, London. She is a member of the
carriage of goods or international
International Bar Association, Maritime Arbitrators Association of
trade remains undeveloped.
Nigeria and the National Maritime Law Association.
She counsels that a woman can be a wife, mother and at the same
Funke Agbor is a partner in the
time have a successful career. But they should not benchmark
Shipping and Litigation Group of the
themselves against men who are of the same age with them in
Law Firm, Adepetu, Caxton-Martins,
order not to face disappointments, advising young women never
Agbor & Segun, specializing in
to rush.
Admiralty law, Shipping & Marine

Ships & Ports | 56

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Adedoyin
Rhodes-Vivour
Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour is a British
Chevening Scholar and the
Managing Partner, Doyin Rhodes-
Vivour& Co (Legal Practitioners and
Arbitrators), a Chartered Arbitrator
and Fellow of the Chartered Institute
of Arbitrators. Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour
was called to the Nigerian Bar in
1981 and is a Notary Public of
Nigeria.

Adedoyin is one of the women who

have made their marks in the
maritime industry, having practiced
law for over three decades. She
specializes in commercial
transactions, litigation,international
and domestic arbitration and
alternative dispute resolution, and
has significant arbitral experience,
as presiding arbitrator, co-arbitrator
and sole arbitrator, in international
and domestic arbitration
proceedings.

Her areas of expertise include

maritime, oil and gas, energy,
construction and infrastructural
projects, banking and finance,
franchise and commercial disputes.
She is an advocate of alternative
She is also listed on the panel of various international
Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour'sis listed inWho's and domestic arbitration and ADR institutions.
Who Legal Nigeria and Guide to the
World's Leading Commercial Arbitration She is a member of the International Chamber of
Experts [Expert Guide] as one of the pre- Commerce (ICC), International Court of Arbitration and the
eminent professionals in the world. She is also ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR. She is the
listed on the panel of various Chairperson, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria
international and domestic arbitration Branch. She is a member of the International Law
and ADR institutions. Association (ILA), International Committee on International
Commercial Arbitration and the Pioneer Chair, Committee
dispute resolution, and she has on International Commercial Arbitration of the International
successfully mediated several Law Association (ILA) Nigerian Branch. She is a member of
disputes. She has also acted as ArbitralWomen and a member of the International Steering
consultant to regulatory bodies for Committee of the Equal Representation in Arbitration (ERA) Pledge.
the drawing up of arbitration/ADR
industry specific schemes. Doyin was the pioneer president of the Maritime Arbitrators
Association of Nigeria and a member of Nigerian Institute of
Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour'sis listed Shipping. She has written several articles on
inWho's Who Legal Nigeria and Arbitration/Alternative Dispute Resolution and regularly delivers
Guide to the World's Leading papers at international and domestic conferences and training
Commercial Arbitration Experts events. Indeed, there is no exhausting the long list of her
[Expert Guide] as one of the pre- membership of professional associations, panel listings both local
eminent professionals in the world. and international and her general accomplishments.
Ships & Ports | 57
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Funmilayo
Olotu

F unmilayo Olotu is one of the

port managers that have
brought pride to the Nigerian
Ports Authority. She joined the NPA in
August 1988 as a Communication
Officer 1, and has had a meritorious
career at the agency. Her stint in
Calabar Port as port manager
brought life and increased business
activities to the moribund port.
Against all odds, and amidst
corruption and the politics of
dredging the access channel to the
port which has greatly limited ship
calls and business at the port, she
made giant strides in revenue
generation and revival of the port.

After two years and nine months at

Calabar Port, the port recorded a
150% increase in revenue. The port's
revenue which was N837,231,974.04
between 2013-2015 soared to
N2,471,020,157.27 between 2016-
2018 and the volume of business also
increased geometrically. She was
able to clearall debts hanging on the
port and still left a substantial credit
balance for the port before leaving
for the premier port, Apapa.

sum of N27 million from clients

who had underpaid the Authority.
Her stint in Calabar Port as port manager
brought life and increased business All these have not gone
unnoticed, as in 2002, she bagged
activities to the moribund port. Against all odds, the Officer of the Port Award, Tin-
and amidst corruption and the politics of dredging Can Island Port for personally
obtaining the Electronic Llyods as
the access channel to the port which has greatly head of her unit and generating
limited ship calls and business at the port, she $65,000.
made giant strides in revenue generation Funmilayo is a Fellow of the
and revival of the port. Nigerian Institute of Management,
the highest professional
membership grade of the
Mrs. Olotu is known for her brilliant
institute.She joined the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in
and bold contributions. Her prudent
2002 and is one of the 117 distinguished professionals from
and anti-corruption stance has been
different walks of life awarded Fellowship of the Institute.
an asset to the Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA). This has enabled
Mrs. Olotu holds a Bachelor of Arts(Ed) degree in English, a
the Authority to save and recover lost
Diploma in Marketing and Master of Education in Guidance and
revenues. At one of the units at the
Counseling.She is married with four children.
ports she headed, she recovered the

Ships & Ports | 58

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Prior to her latest

Marie Asein appointment as the port
manager of Calabar Port, she

M arie Ehemeiri Asein is the current Port Manager of

Calabar Port. She was born at Uhunmora-Ora, Owan
West Local Government Area of Edo State. She
attended Okpameri Girls Grammar School, Ibillo where she
obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC) in
was Principal Manager (Traffic
Manager) at Delta Ports, Warri.
She had also served NPA as
1978. Thereafter, she proceeded to the College of Education Manager, Western Ports, and
in 1979 and obtained an NCE Certificate in 1982.
Assistant Manager (Claims),
Still in pursuit of academic excellence, she proceeded to Container Terminal, Apapa
Edo State University, Ekpoma for a Bachelor of Science (Bsc)
degree in Geography in June 1986. She also holds a Master
where she worked in
of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Lagos determining damages to
State University, Ojo.
cargoes during discharge and
Marie is a member of several professional bodies such as assessment of extent of loss of
Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and Women in
Shipping, Logistics and Transport.
cargoes during discharge
among other duties.

Prior to her latest appointment as the

port manager of Calabar Port, she was
Principal Manager (Traffic Manager)
at Delta Ports, Warri. She had also
served NPA as Manager, Western
Ports, and Assistant Manager (Claims),
Container Terminal, Apapa where she
worked in determining damages to
cargoes during discharge and
assessment of extent of loss of
cargoes during discharge among
other duties.

She had also worked as Assistant

Manager, Tin Can Island, and Assistant
Manager, Traffic (1995-2000), and
Traffic Officer ll&l and (1987-1995),
where she gained considerable
experience in discharging and
loading of vessels (Operations) and
general administration. She has
attended several training
programmes locally and
internationally.

Marie cherishes her Shipping and

Logistics career, and also likes
working in a challenging environment
where excellence is cherished and
rewarded.

Ships & Ports | 60

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Carol Ufere
C
a ro l A k u m U f e re i s c u r re n t ly a n
Independent Maritime Consultant and She is well versed in building capacity in the field
L i c e n s e d H u m a n of human resources, personnel management,
Relationspractitioner.She worked in the Nigerian service delivery, monitoring and evaluation
Ports Authority (NPA) for many years and retired procedures and pension fund administration for
in 2018. Bef ore her retirement from the large governmental organizations.
organization, she held the positions of General
Manager Servicom and General Manager Since 2015, she has been working for the United
Superannuation & Investments. She was also a Nations as Instr uctor in Train For Trade
Po r t M a n a ge r wh e re s h e d e m o n s t ra t e d Programme. She is the President and Co-founder,
excellence in port administration and Committee of Friends for Humanity
terminal operations. Between 2015 (COFFHA), a non-governmental
–2016, she was the General organization (NGO) founded
Manager, Special Duties. as far back as 1993.
C O F F H A i s a n
Carol was also NPA's organization that is
Coordinator for the m a d e u p o f
International accomplished
M a r i t i m e women of integrity
Associations on in business and
behalf of Nigeria. o t h e r re l a t e d
T h e s e professions, with
Associations a mission to
i n c l u d e s u p p o r t ,
International encourage and
Association of u p l i f t l e s s
Ports &Harbours privileged women
(IAPH), Pan African and children in our
Por t Cooperation society.
( PA P C ) a n d P o r t
M a n a g e m e n t Carol holds a Master's
Association of West and degree in Public
Central African (PMAWCA. Administration of the
For three years (2004 -2007), University of Lagos. She
she was Personal Assistant (Human obtained her first degree BA (Hons),
Resources) to the Managing Director. In History from the University of Benin in 1984.
this position, she played active roles in the port She attended Queen of Holy Rosary College,
reforms process as a member of numerous Onitsha where she obtained her West African
sensitive committees critical to the reform School Certificate (WASC) in 1975.
process.
She has attended the HBS-NIM Leaders Program
Carol is a maritime practitioner with over three of the Harvard Business School, and holds a
d e c ades of global certificate. She also
experience of Carol is a maritime practitioner with h o l d s a T ra n s p o r t
operations and over three decades of global Certificate of the
administration in Institute f or Water
mar itime and por t e x p e r i e n c e o f o p e r a t i o n s a n d E d u c a t i o n D e l f t ,
sector, during which she administration in maritime and port sector, Holland as well as
has led multicultural and during which she has led multicultural and Certificate in Strategic
multilingual teams multilingual teams across Africa, building P u b l i c R e l a t i o n s ,
across Africa, building a P ro t o c o l & T r a v e l
strong professional a strong professional network. Management UK.
network.
Ships & Ports | 61
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Abiodun Gunwa
M rs. Juliana Abiodun Gunwa
retired from the Nigerian
Maritime Administration and
Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the
Director of Marine Environment
Management. Currently she is a
consultant to the International Maritime
Organisation,(IMO).

The appointment by the global

maritime organization is in keeping
with its offering consultancy
appointments to officials of maritime
administrations who have
distinguished themselves in the various
activities of the organization in different
parts of the world. Thus, Mrs. Gunwa
joined other distinguished
practitioners from other maritime
administrations across the globe
who have been so honoured.

It must be noted that this appointment

came while she was still a staff of
NIMASA, and her appointment as a
consultant to the IMO was basically on
advisory capacity. Her responsibilities
as an IMO consultant include giving
technical and professional advice to
the IMO on issues of marine
environment management,
f acilitating IMO organized
conferences and workshops and
serving on technical committees as
the need arises amongst others.
While serving NIMASA as Head of
While serving NIMASA as
Head of Marine Environment
Management, she created more
awareness for a safe and friendly
marine environment which is
necessary for the smooth operation
of shipping activities, while also
conserving and preserving aquatic
life.This, it must be observed, is
one of the core mandates of
NIMASA.
Marine Environment Management,
she created more awareness for a safe
and friendly marine environment
which is necessary for the smooth
operation of shipping activities, while
also conserving and preserving
aquatic lif e.T h i s , i t m u s t b e
obser ved, is one of the core
mandates of NIMASA.
As a new IMO consultant
recently, she has chaired a
technical sub-committee of
the IMO that produced a
manual on Marine
Pollution Prevention which
document has been
approved by the IMO's
MEPC implementation
across the globe.
Mrs. Gunwa has had over 15
years active participation in the
activities of the IMO both locally
and internationally with numerous
successful regional and national
workshops organized by the IMO in
Nigeria to her credit.The appointment
is in recognition of her contribution
in the activities of the IMO as well as
her effective participation at IMO
sessions in London over the years.
Mrs. Gunwa who joined the services of
NIMASA in 2002 earned a first degree
in Humanities from the prestigious
University of Ibadan. She also has an
M.sc in Marine Management from the
Dalhousie University Halifax, Canada
and another M.sc in General Maritime
Administration from the World
M a r i t i m e U n ive r s i t y, M a l m o,
Sweden obtained in 1989 and 1993
respectively.
She started her working career with
the Federal Ministry of Transport
(Maritime Services) department in
1982 and was later seconded to the
Government Inspector of Shipping in
2000 as Head of Marine Environment
division until she joined NIMASA in
2002.
Ships & Ports | 62
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Iroghama
B. Obuoforibo

I roghama graduated from the

University of Massachusetts,
Boston with a BSc. Biology and
Psychology in 2007. In 2011, she
completed her Master's Degree in
Health Promotion and Public Health,
from Brunel University, London.

In the year 2014, Iroghama was

recommended by a consultant firm,
during a corporate restructuring of
Starzs Investments Company Limited
(SICL), to serve in an Executive
capacity in the Company. In
September 2014, she was officially
appointed Executive Director and
subsequently she assumed the role
of Chief Operating Officer, SICL, a
ship-owning and marine logistics
provider with a fleet of vessels
providing offshore support to various
international oil companies.

Her youthful and spirited personality

combined with an unparalleled
commitment to the vision of Starzs
has immensely impacted on the
overall growth of the company in a
short while.

She is also a Director of Eaglewatch

Her youthful and spirited
personality combined with an
unparalleled commitment to the
vision of Starzs has immensely
impacted on the overall growth
of the company in a short while.
Iroghama Obuoforibo is an alumnus
of the Harvard Business School OPM
program and a member of the
Institute of Directors (IoD) and
Women in Management and Business
(WIMBIZ). She is the Chairman,
Finance and Membership
Committee of the Ship Owners
Association of Nigeria (SOAN).
Security Company, a security company that
was established in 1999 to provide
professional security services. In 2010, she
founded Hair Hairven Limited, a company
which manufactures hair care products for
the maintenance of hair extensions and
natural hair. The company has grown to
include hair salons in its model by
establishing multiple branches of “The
Hairven Hair Bar” in Port Harcourt with
plans to expand to other cities.
In 2013, she emerged the winner of the MTN maiden edition of
“The Next Titan”, an entrepreneurial TV reality show that was
designed to produce one talented young entrepreneur in the
country through effective accomplishment of various business
tasks. She has received several awards for her business acumen
and entrepreneurial spirit and has had a positive impact on
youths through various platforms as she continues to strive for
excellence. These awards include two consecutive Eagle awards
for Young Entrepreneur of the year and the Future Awards
Nomination, 2017.
Ships & Ports | 63
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Isa
Mairo Talatu

D eputy Comptroller
General of Customs
(DCG) in charge of
Tariff and Trade, Isa
MairoTalatu is one of the few
female top Customs officers
that have made an indelible
mark in areas of revenue
generation, maintenance of
cordial relations between
officers and clearing agents as
well as creation of a conducive
atmosphere for female officers
to work in a career largely
dominated by men.

While serving as Controller,

Lilypond Command, now Tin
Can 11 Command, Talatu's
determination and efforts to
resuscitate the once moribund
terminal yielded positive
results as the command
witnessed increased transfer
of containers to the terminal
which thus translated
into higher revenue
collection. Talatu's commitment and hard work did not
go unnoticed by the Customs management
Talatu is also the first
female Controller in as it earned her not only commendations but also
the first model port in promotion from the rank of a Comptroller to the
Nigeria since it was rank of an Assistant Comptroller General in 2017,
created in 2006. While and subsequently appointed Deputy Comptroller
serving at PTML, Talatu
transformed the image General, in charge of Tariff and Trade, in
of the command such 2018, a position she holds till date.
that the hitherto
unclean offices and
earned her not only commendations but also
quarter guard are now
promotion from the rank of a Comptroller to the rank
wearing new looks.
of an Assistant Comptroller General in 2017, and
subsequently appointed Deputy Comptroller General,
Talatu's commitment and hard
in charge of Tariff and Trade, in 2018, a position she
work did not go unnoticed by
holds till date.
the Customs management as it
Ships & Ports | 64
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Jayne
Shoboiki

C
omptroller Jayne
Shoboiki is the first
female Customs Area
Controller at the Murtala
Muhammed Area Command of
the Nigeria Customs Service.
She joined the Nigeria
Customs Service in April 1989
as an Assistant Superintendent
of Customs I (ASC I) and had
her basic training at Customs
Training College Ikeja.

She has served in several NCS

formations including the
premier port, Apapa and Tin
Can Island port where she
both served as the first female
officer in charge of the
Customs Intelligent Unit (CIU).
She also served as Deputy
Commandant of the Customs
Training College.

In 2016, she was promoted to

with the World
Customs Organization
In 2016, she was promoted to the rank of and World Trade
full Comptroller and was posted to Strategic Organization (WTO)
Research and Policy (SR&P) Headquarters and other international
Abuja, where she became the Comptroller, organizations.
International Customs, dealing with the World Besides degrees in
Customs Organization and World Trade Law and Public
Organization (WTO) and other Administration,
international organizations. Shoboiki also has a
master's degree in
International Studies
the rank of full Comptroller and a Doctorate
and was posted to Strategic degree (PHD) in International Relations. She is a
Research and Policy (SR&P) member, Nigerian Bar Association and Fellow, Institute
Headquarters Abuja, where of Professional Managers and Administrators. She is an
she became the Comptroller alumnus of University of Reading, United Kingdom.
International Customs, dealing
Ships & Ports | 65
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Despite numerous challenges, Comptroller

Oladunni Morenike
Oladunni has been able to harness available
resources at her disposal to increase the revenue
drive of the Command positively. This is evident in
the revenue generated by the Command in the last

C omptroller Oladunni Morenike, is the Area

Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT)
Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from

University of Ile Ife now Obafemi Awolowo
University and a Master's degree in Social Works
from the Lagos State University.
Comptroller Oladunni is a seasoned Customs
officer who has served over the years in various
capacities ranging from revenue to enforcement
and also intelligence units.
As a revenue officer, she served as Special
Assistant to five Area Controllers between October
2008 and February 2012. As a Deputy Controller,
she was the Terminal Head of APM Terminals,
Apapa Area Command between August 2012 and
March 2015.While serving as APMT Terminal Head,
she ensured that appropriate revenue was
generated from every consignment imported and
exported out of the country.
eight months of 2019, as the sum of
9,497,704,598.00 was collected, representing
more than 90 percent of its revenue target for the
ye a r. W h e n c o m p a re d t o t h e s u m o f
6,302,228,485.00 collected within the same
period of 2018, there is an increase of 50.7 percent.
The command's revenue milestone was collected
in the month of July 2019 with over 2.2billion,
being the highest revenue generated at the
Command in a single month.
Comptroller Oladunni is stopping at nothing to
continuously build up the revenue of the command,
bring all extant laws to play without compromising
integrity and bearing in mind the importance of
national security and the lives of Nigerians.

As an intelligence officer, she was a resource

person at the School Of Intelligence where she
taught "Disposal of Classified Waste" and she
was fondly referred to as "Madam Disposal".

After her promotion to the rank of

Comptroller, she served as Controller
License and Permit Unit at the NCS
h e a d q u a r t e r s , A bu j a a n d L a go s
industrial command Lagos prior to her
present posting.

Comptroller Oladunni is the 18th

Controller of the KLT Command,
which is a dry port, and has
succeeded in repositioning the
Command to become the fastest
Customs port achieving clearance
within 48hrs.

Despite numerous challenges,

Comptroller Oladunni has been
able to harness available resources at her
disposal to increase the revenue drive of the
Command positively. This is evident in the
revenue generated by the Command in the last
eight months of 2019, as the sum of
9,497,704,598.00 was collected, representing more
than 90 percent of its revenue target for the year.

Ships & Ports | 66


Florence Dixon
C omptroller Florence
Olasunbo Dixon is the
Area Controller, PTML
Command of the Nigeria
Customs Service.
A woman of few words,
Comptroller Dixon has served in
various Customs formations
including, Zonal Headquarters,
Yaba and the NCS Headquarters,
Abuja as Controller
Administration and Controller
Posting respectively.
Prior to her deployment to PTML,
Comptroller Dixon was the
Comptroller Edo/Delta
Command.
She has also served as Chief
Superintendent of Customs
(CSC) in charge of
Administration at the Federal
Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja
and Officer in charge
(OC) of Fast Track at
former Lilypond Customs
Command, OC welfare,
Zone A, headquarters and
OC Sifax Terminal.
Within the period she
took over at PTML, the
command recorded its
highest monthly revenue
collection since its
creation in 2006. She
achieved this feat by a
combination of blocking
revenue leakages and
persistent enlightenment
of customs personnel,
importers and their
agents against infractions.
Comptroller Dixon
equally oversees optimum trade
facilitation by ensuring that
vehicles with genuine
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
Within the period she
took over at PTML, the
command recorded its
highest monthly revenue
collection since its creation
in 2006. She achieved this
feat by a combination of
blocking revenue leakages
a n d p e r s i s t e n t
enlightenment of customs
personnel, importers and
their agents against
infractions.
documentation are cleared from
Customs control within six hours
in the command.
Ships & Ports | 64
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Funmilayo Fasan
C omrade Funmilola Fasan is
the Vice President-General,
Maritime Workers Union of
Nigeria (MWUN). She is also the
Financial Secretar y, Niger ian
Labour Congress (NLC) Women's
Committee Lagos Chapter.

Born to the family of Chief and Mrs.

O m o d u n n i S h oye l e, C o m ra d e
Funmilola, after completing her
primary and secondary education,
proceeded to Yaba College of
Technology, Lagos where she
g ra d u a t e d w i t h a D i p l o m a i n
Accounting.

She started her working career as a

clerk with Sofisticat Nigeria Limited.
T hereafter, she joined Trans-
Atlantic Shipping Agency as a front
desk officer in 1992. She was later
t ra n s f e r re d t o t h e c o m p a ny ' s
AccountsDepartment where she
was saddled with the responsibility
of managing var ious clients
accounting records.

Funmilola's passion for people and

speaking for the voiceless made her
join the maritime union in 1994. She
contested and won election as the
unit Assistant Secretary, Shipping,
Clearing and Forwarding (TASAL
UNIT), and remained at the position
till the formation and merger ofthe
four units as Maritime Workers
Funmilola's passion for people
and speaking for the voiceless
made her join the maritime union
in 1994. She contested and won
election as the unit Assistant
Secretary, Shipping, Clearing and
Forwarding (TASAL UNIT), and
remained at the position till the
formation and merger ofthe four
units as Maritime Workers Union
of Nigeria in 1996.
Union of Nigeria in 1996. She
served as the District Special
Female Member of the union
from1996 to 2005.
She left Trans-Atlantic
Shipping Agency to join
Comet Shipping Agency
Limited in 2006 and still
maintained her position
in the union. In 2005, she
wa s e l e c t e d a s t h e
MWUN Shipping
B ra n c h Wo m e n
R e p re s e n t a t ive a n d
served till 2009. In 2009,
she was elected as the
MWUN National Trustee
and served for two terms
meritoriously till 2017.
While serving as the National
Trustee, MWUN, in 2012, she was
elected as Trustee, International
Transport Workers Federation
(ITF), Women's wing, Niger ia
Chapter till 2017. She was elected
MWUN, Vice President-General in
2017, a position she holds till date.
Currently, she has been seconded
by her employer, Comet Shipping
Agency Limited, to their subsidiary,
Five Stars Logistics Limited at Tin
Can Island Port office as Delivery
Supervisor.
S h e h a s a t t e n d e d n u m e ro u s
seminars, congresses, trainings
and workshops in various labour
m a n a g e m e n t s t ra t e g i e s a n d
leadership training both locally
and internationally.
Ships & Ports | 69
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Mary
Madu Hamman

M ary Madu Hamman

is the President of
Women's
International Shipping and
Trading Association (WISTA)
– Nigeria. She is also a
Chartered member/ female
representative in the Council
of Chartered Institute of
Logistics and Transport
(CILT).

Mrs. Hamman joined the

National Maritime Authority
(NMA), now Nigerian
Maritime Administration and
Safety Agency (NIMASA), in
1993 after working with the
Nigerian Postal Service and
has risen through the ladder
to become an Assistant
Director in the Shipping
Development Department of
the agency, a position she
in the world, the
Mrs. Hamman joined the National International
Maritime Authority (NMA), now Nigerian Maritime Organization (IMO).
Maritime Administration and Safety Agency The association has
(NIMASA), in 1993 after working with the equally championed
Nigerian Postal Service and has risen through humanitarian efforts
for women through
the ladder to become an Assistant Director in the purchase of fishing
Shipping Development Department of the boats, fishing nets,
agency. boat engines in
various parts of the
country especially the
occupies till date.
Aguleri women in fishing group in Anambra State.
WISTA Nigeria under her
She has attended numerous maritime courses both
watch was able to secure a
in Nigeria and abroad including Anatomy of
seat at the apex regulatory
Shipping in Cambridge University, in the United
body for maritime activities
Kingdom.
Ships & Ports | 70
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Bola She started the pet project in

2002, and today, the
Foundation has touched so
Muse many lives. From skill
acquisition centre for the
youth to scholarship

B ola Muse is
anoutstanding
name in the
area of freight
scheme,the foundation also
cares for the elderly,
empowers the less privileged
and sponsors major sporting
forwarding in the
competitions for the youth.
Nigerian maritime
Apart from few friends and
industry. She is the
voluntary donations by some
current president of
concerned individuals, Bola
WIMAFRICA (Women
continues to fund her
in Maritime Africa,
Foundation as she remains
Nigeria), the
passionate about putting
institutional
smiles on the faces of people.
framework for
capacity building,
Bomorah Farms Ltd, a member
cooperation and
of Bomorah Group has
entrepreneurship
provided employment for the
development of
youths, in addition to providing
women in the
jobs through her travels and
maritime sector.
tours outfit and other
companies in her Group. She
Bola is the Chief
has indeed been ablessing to
Executive Officer of
many as she has over sixty
Bomorah Group, and
workers in her employ.
the Treasurer of the for the less-privileged in the
Association of Nigeria society, an initiative that has Bola worked in several
Licensed Customs Agents made her a household name companies in Kano after
(ANLCA). She is also the both in the maritime industry secondary school. After a stint
founderand head of Women's and the larger society. with Honda Motor Company in
wingof ANLCA.
Kano State as a young clerical
officer in the 80s, she enrolled
Hajia Bola Muse is not Hajia Bola Muse is not just an at Baron School of Business
just an entrepreneur
entrepreneur but a role model Administration in 1988 where
but a role model to
to most women. Sociable, focused, she obtained her Ordinary
most women. Sociable,
National Diploma in Business
focused, humble and humble and elegant , Bola has
Administration. She
elegant, Bola has continued to be a rallying point for the proceeded to Kano State
continued to be a less privileged in the society whose Polytechnic in 1991 for her
rallying point for the
well- being she sees as one of her Higher National Diploma in
less privileged in the
topmost priorities. This priority she Secretarial Administration.
society whose well-
concretized by establishing Bomorah She also has a postgraduate
being she sees as one
Diploma and Master's degree
of her topmost Foundation, a non-governmental
in Business Administration
priorities. This priority organization that cares for the less- from the University of Calabar.
she concretized by privileged in the society, an initiative Hajia Bola Muse is a recipient
establishing Bomorah
that has made her a household name of other numerous
Foundation, a non-
both in the maritime industry professional certificates and
governmental
and the larger society. awards in addition to life
organization that cares

Ships & Ports | 71

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Anita De Werd
A nita de Werdis an experienced and
energetic business leader in
global organizations, both in
corporate and regional roles. An expert in
transformational leadership, she has a
colleagues on the global sites. She was a trusted adviser
to operations leaders for their business needs.

From 2013 -2015, Anita worked with Philips Lighting in

track record in building global brands that
differentiate their value proposition in the
market. Her chain of successes is achieved
by focusing on customer insights, working
with open-minded leaders and
approaching the market in innovative
ways.
Anita is the Head of Marketing and
Business Development Maersk Africa. She
is a Member Board of Management, Global
Head of Marketing, Safmarine. From 2015 -
2019, she was also Member Board of
Management, Global Head of Strategic
Marketing and Business Development,
Damco at The Hague, Netherlands where
she was involved in building a new
department as strategic growth lever for
Damco, developing strategic partnerships
based on synergies across the Maersk
organization to drive a more effective and
integrated business etc.
Anita also worked with Teva
P h a r m a c e u t i c a l s i n A m s t e rd a m ,
N e t h e r l a n d s a s D i re c t o r, G l o b a l
C o m m u n i c a t i o n s wh e re s h e w a s
responsible for strategic communication
for 20,000 global non-desk employees,
and acted as a partner, teacher and coach
t o communications
Amsterdam as Global Head of Brand Management. Her
work schedule entailed stakeholder engagement
sessions to enhance customer insights and deploy
gained knowledge in campaigns, packaging and
communications and roll out of brand related programs
for the Lighting business. She was also responsible for
training among other responsibilities.
Anita attended IMD Business School Executive
Education, and obtained a degree in Leadership (1918).
She also holds MBA degree in Customer Based
Management (1998-2001). She had earlier attended
Hotel School, The Hague from 1989-1991. She is a
certified Expert Marketing Professional at the
Netherlands Institute of Marketing.
S h e wa s c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r M a rke t i n g a n d
Communications in Special Olympics, an organization
that helps individuals with intellectual disabilities
overcome barriers through sports.Anita has extensive
experience in stakeholder management and has a
proven track record in creating successful teams in
international work settings. She is knowledgeable
about branding, getting employees engaged with new
b r a n d s , a n d d ev e l o p i n g a n d i m p l e m e n t i n g
communication strategiesin line with organizational
objectives.

Anita has extensive experience in

stakeholder management and has
a proven track record in creating
successful teams in international
work settings. She is
knowledgeable about branding,
getting employees engaged with
new brands, and developing and
implementing communication
strategiesin line with
organizational objectives.

Ships & Ports | 72


Funmi Folorunsho
M rs. Funmi Folorunsho is a maritime consultant and the
Secretar y-General of Afr ican Ship-owners
Association. She was the pioneer Director-
General of Indigenous Shipowners Association of
Nigeria (ISAN). She was also the pioneer Executive
Secretary of NIMAREX (Nigeria Maritime Expo) that
has been showcasing the maritime potentials of
Nigeria's maritime sector as well as a former
President of WISTA, Nigeria.
Funmi Folorunsho as the Secretary-General of
African Ship-owners Association has started
impacting positively on ship ownership in Africa, as
African ship owners have started investing in ships as a
result of the introduction of favourable policies and
regulations that govern the maritime sector.
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
Hitherto, African ship owners
had not been investing in ships
as they had been complaining
of the policies under which
they had been operating. With
Ms. Folorunsho's advocacies,
African governments have
started developing favourable
policies to aid the growth of
the maritime industry.
To Funmi Africa has not been
attractive for ship owners
because policies have made
investment in ships too costly
and cumbersome. Hence she
has been organizing
conferences of African ship
owners and gover nments
aimed at evolving favourable
policies and regulations for
Africa's shipping sector. As
she maintains, “Policies and
laws have made it difficult to
acquire vessels. Financing has
also been a problem for the
investors.”
Hence, Funmi Folorunsho has
been working in partnership
with the maritime industry
regulators to get full benefits
of the industry so as to create
wealth and employment in
Africa.
Funmi Folorunsho as the
Secretary-General of African
Ship-owners Association has
started impacting positively on ship
ownership in Africa, as African ship
owners have started investing in
ships as a result of the introduction
of favourable policies and
regulations that govern the
maritime sector.
Ships & Ports | 73
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Priscilla
Ogwemoh

P riscilla Ogwemoh is one of the

women that dominate maritime
law practice in Nigeria. A
Bachelor and Master Degrees holder
in Law, she is the Managing Partner
of Kevin Martin Ogwemoh Legal, a
law firm. She is a fellow of Nigeria
Institute of Chartered Arbitrators of
Nigeria, a CEDR-UK Accredited
Mediator, a Member of the Panel of
Neutrals, Lagos Multi-Door Court
House(LMDC), a Member of the
Panel of Neutral Lagos Court of
Arbitration (LCA), a Council
Member, Nigerian Bar Association-
Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL),
the Chairperson of the Chartered
Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria)
Maritime Committee and until very
recently the Managing Partner of
OlisaAgbakoba Legal.

With over 27 years' experience in

legal practice, Mrs.Ogwemoh serves
on the Board ofseveralcompanies. On
February 28 this year (2019), she was
appointed to the Board of MRS Oil
Nigeria Plc.

A brilliant lawyer, Priscilla won the

Best Female Managing Partner, 2016
demonstrated in the precision with which
she handles the general administration
A brilliant lawyer, Priscilla won the Best and day to day running of the
Female Managing Partner, 2016 at The multifaceted practice of the law firm.
African Lawyers Awards, the most recognized She is one of the leading Women
award for African lawyers. She won the award Mediators in the Country and currently
out of over 200 entries from different African serves as the Director of the OAL
Arbitration and Mediation Centre, which
countries. Her area of specialization is is the first law firm annexed ADR center in
Maritime and Commercial Law. Nigeria. She is also a fellow of the
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a
legal adviser to the Institute of Chartered
at The African Lawyers Awards, the Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC).
most recognized award for African
lawyers. She won the award out of Priscilla is a Judge of the International Law Students' Association
over 200 entries from different Jessup Moot Court Competition and has assessed several
African countries. Her area of Memorials in the competition since 2013. She was recently
specialization is Maritime and appointed a panel member of the NBA Disciplinary Committee.
Commercial Law.
Priscilla says to young lawyers, “Keep your eyes on the ball; be
Mrs. Priscilla Ogwemoh epitomizes focused in all you do, define your objectives, remain firm, stick to
leadership par excellence as your objectives and be tough.”
Ships & Ports | 75
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Ifeoma Ifeoma was born in Ibadan,

Oyo State, and is the second of
seven children of the late
Adanma Ezedinma Professor and Mrs. F. O. C.
Ezedinma. She started her
education at the University
Primary School, Nsukka, and
we n t o n t o Fe d e ra l
Government Girls' College,
Gboko for her secondary
education. After completing
her secondary education, she
went to the University of
Nigeria, Nsukka, where she
obtained a degree in English
and Literary Studies in 1987.

When she is done at the office,

s h e e n j oy s re a d i n g a n d
working with her hands, as she
s p e n d s t i m e wo rk i n g o n
embroidery, crochet and cross
stitch.

Her work experience

within the Council cuts
across several
departments such as
Human Resources,

I feoma Adanma Ezedinma, joined the Nigerian Shippers

Council in 1994 and is presently the Director, Regulatory
Services. Her work experience within the Council cuts across
several departments such as Human Resources, SERVICOM and
Strategic Planning and Research. She is the member currently
SERVICOM and
Strategic Planning and
Research. She is the
member currently
representing Nigerian Shippers Council on the Board of Council representing Nigerian
for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN).
Shippers Council on the
Ifeoma is a member of several professional bodies such as Board of Council for
International Multimodal Transport Association (IMMTA), the Regulation of
American Academy of Project Management (AAPM), and Society
for Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Freight Forwarders in
Nigeria (CRFFN).
She holds a post graduate diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain
Management as well as Master of Science (M.sc) degree in
Maritime Studies (Shipping Management) from the World
Maritime University Malmo, Sweden.

Ships & Ports | 76

 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Tosan Edodo Emoren

T osan Edodo Emore is
among the array of brilliant
women lawyers in the
Nigerian maritime sector. She is a
bilingual, transport, energy, and
She is an active member of the
Women International Shipping
and Trade Association (WISTA).
She is the Financial Secretary of
the Nigerian Maritime Law
Committee on Environment and
Ecology.

Her advanced legal training and

investment lawyer and Chairman
of African Maritime Forum
Limited. She holds a Bachelor of
Laws degree from the University
of Buckingham, England and a
Master of Law degree from the
University of London, England.
She has a working knowledge of
French having studied the
language and French Civilization
at the Université Catholique De
L'Ouest, Angers, France and at
the Université Catholique De
L'est, Lille, France.
She was called to the Nigerian
Bar in 1981. She started her law
career with Sani Mohammed,
Kuso & Co., Kaduna, and later at
Akporiaye, Edodo & Associates,
Warri, Delta State. In 1996 she
was part of the Nigerian trade
delegation to bilateral talks with
the United Kingdom and was on
the Presidential delegation which
accompanied former President
Olusegun Obasanjo, on a State
Visit to the United Kingdom in
September 2000.
Association, and the Secretary
General of the Franco- Nigeria
Chamber of Commerce and
Industry.
Tosan'sareas of specialization
include, transport, energy,
environment laws and legislative
drafting. Her experience in
legislative drafting for the
Nigerian National Assembly has
made her relevant in assigned
tasks involving preparation of
legislations for developing
economies and emerging
markets. She has worked for the
Senate Committee on Marine
Transport and the Senate
vast experience in
conceptualization, drafting and
review of legislations make her
most useful in the preparation of
legislations and agreements
necessary for the realization of
legal objectives in developing
economies or emerging markets.
Mrs. Edodo-Emore has been
involved in the preparation,
drafting, review and perfection of
intricate commercial agreements,
ranging from media planning and
buying, service agreements to
project management and
coordination agreements.She is
the convener of Lagos
International Maritime Week.

Her advanced legal

training and vast
e x p e r i e n c e i n
conceptualization, drafting
and review of legislations
make her most useful in the
preparation of legislations
and agreements necessary
for the realization of legal
objectives in developing
economies or emerging
markets.

Ships & Ports | 77


Jean
Chiazor-Anishere
J ean Chiazor-Anishere is one
of the gems of maritime law
practice and a pride to
women in the industry. A woman
legal practitioner of many firsts
she was in October last year
(2018) inaugurated as the
African President, Women in
Maritime Industry
(WIMAFRICA), where she is
working to make the new group
of African women in maritime a
strong organization for women in
the African maritime
industryand a voice in African
Union (AU). She has been the
president of Women
International Shipping and
Trading Association (WISTA-
NIG).
Jean Chiazor-Anishere did not
start her career in maritime. She
started her legal practice at the
Federal Ministry of Justice,
where she worked at the
Department of Director Public
Prosecutions (DPP). She moved
on to the private sector to work
with Jane Afolabi & Co as a
solicitor for 18 months and later
with the late Bayo Kehinde
(SAN). Her entry into maritime
was in 1998 when Olisa
Agbakoba invited her to manage
his Law firm because of his other
human rights activities. “It was
there that I was introduced to
Maritime Law practice and got
stuck till date,” she quips. Later
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
My JAMB had
nothing to do
with studying
Law. I chose to
study Medicine
and Optometry,
and I was
admitted into
in University of
Benin
she left Olisa Agbakoba and
Associates to open her own law
firm, Jean Chiazor & Co. “My
venture into Law practice is an
exciting one,” says lively Jean.
She had not planned to be a
lawyer. But her father diverted
her to the profession. “My JAMB
had nothing to do with studying
Law. I chose to study Medicine
and Optometry, and I was
admitted into in University of
Benin. It was my late father, Dr.
(Chief) Philip Chiazor, who was a
broadcaster and the General
Manager of Bendel Broadcasting
Services, who felt that one of his
children should be a lawyer…he
chose me to drive his ambition
through.”
Ships & Ports | 78
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Karen
Ogidigben
Director, Crew Management and Training at Hapag-Lloyd

Karen is a woman who came to the

maritime industry, saw and
conquered. A Bachelor of Science
graduate of Biochemistry, she had
no knowledge of the maritime
industry by the time she found
herself there. The only relationship
she had with the industry was
growing up in a port city. But
because of her enthusiasm to learn,
she accepted the job offer from a
shipping company to work in
business development and
crewing. To her, it was an
opportunity to learn about the
maritime industry.

Her enthusiasm, passion and quick

learning capacity were recognized
by her employer who entrusted her
with more responsibilities than her
job title entailed. Working in
Nigeria's maritime environment
was quite challenging as a young
lady who had to deal with both
seafarers and vessel owners with
relatively decades of experience in
her to work for them in Dubai. That
Her enthusiasm, passion and quick learning was how Karen left Nigeria 18
capacity were recognized by her employer who months later to work with Hapag-
Lloyd in Dubai, the crossroads
entrusted her with more responsibilities than her between Europe, Africa and Asia,
job title entailed. Working in Nigeria's maritime where she added to her repertoire
environment was quite challenging as a young lady in the maritime sector, gaining
who had to deal with both seafarers and vessel owners international experience and
working with diverse set of clients,
with relatively decades of experience in the
colleagues and crewing teams.
industry. But her dexterity on the job made
them think she was really great on the job. Karen now has diversified
knowledge of the maritime industry
the industry. But her dexterity on with experience spanning crew and
the job made them think she was ship management within the offshore, harbor/towage services
really great on the job. and container sectors in Africa, Middle East and Asia. She
holds an MBA in Ship Management and is currently pursuing a
A client she came in contact with Master's degree in Maritime Law at the University of London.
thought she could do much more Karen is not done yet as she still has her eyes on leadership
for them on a global scale than she training at Harvard. Currently, she is the Director, Crew
was doing in Nigeria, and recruited Management and Training at Hapag-Llyod.

Ships & Ports | 79


Amy Jadesimi
Dr. Jadesimi's exploits in business
management, maritime, oil and gas logistics
and engineering have earned her international
accolades and recognition. She was named Young
Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in
2013, and in 2014 one of Forbes' “Youngest Power
Women in Africa”. Forbes also listed her as
one of World's Top 50 Women in Tech. 2018.
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
D r. Amy Jadesimi is the
CEO of the Lagos Deep
Offshore Logistics Base.
An Oxford-trained medical
doctor, Amy worked at Goldman
Sachs where she acquired
experience in investment
banking which fired her to
pursue an MBA at Stanford
Graduate School of Business
before returning to Nigeria to
join her family business.
Dr. Jadesimi's exploits in business
management, maritime, oil and
gas logistics and engineering
have earned her international
accolades and recognition. She
was named Young Global Leader
by the World Economic Forum in
2013, and in 2014 one of Forbes'
“Youngest Power Women in
Africa”. Forbes also listed her as
one of World's Top 50 Women in
Tech. 2018. In 2012, she was
honoured with an Archbishop
Tutu Fellow, where she worked to
reduce maternal mortality.
She has featured in many global
platforms, discussing world
economy and African economic
growth. She was a guest panelist
at the London Business School
African Summit where she spoke
on integration and growth on the
continent. Parallel to the events,
Amy took part initialing an art
collaboration piece called
“Remember to Rise”. She also
featured at this year's, Global
Female Leaders 2019, the
economic forum for world female
executives.
Amy has a passion to develop
strategic infrastructure that will
enable African countries to
become leading global
economies.
Ships & Ports | 80

M ariam Abiola Afolabi is the Group
Executive Director, Compliance of
Sifax Group, an indigenous
maritime giant. Mariam, who is daughter of
the company's founder and CEO, Dr. Taiwo
Afolabi, is a Solicitor and Advocate of the
Nigerian Supreme Court.
She is a graduate of Law from the University
of Warwick, Coventry, England and also
obtained a Post Graduate degree (LLM with
distinction) in International Maritime Law
from the IMO International Maritime Law
Institute, Malta.
Mariam's tutelage and professional
experience has spanned various tested
legal firms, maritime and aviation
companies like Kayode Sofola & Co, Wole
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
Mariam
Afolabi
Olanipekun & Co, Kunle Ogunba & Co,
Aluko & Oyebode, Skyway Aviation
Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL),
SIFAX Shipping Company Limited and
Nigerian Maritime Administration Safety
Agency (NIMASA).
Her appointment as Group Executive
Director, SIFAX Group, was to harness her
rich professional experience and bring it to
bear on the operations of the company
which had just undergone operational
restructuring geared towards repositioning
for better service delivery and corporate
reengineering.
Mariam Afolabi, whose hobbies include
reading, writing, hiking and drawing, is also
a fashion enthusiast.
Ships & Ports | 81
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Noimoth Akasar
N
oimoth Akasar is a young, the shipyard (April 3-Feb 24, 2019), .
passionate seafarer and where she was expected to support Noimoth is committed to building
b u s i n e s s d ev e l o p m e n t and build the company's market her career on four cardinal pillars
expert in the marine, oil and gas position by locating, developing, o f i n t e g r i t y , c o n f i d e n c e ,
business sector. She is currently the defining and closing business accountability and
Business Development Manager of re l a t i o n s h i p s t h a t innovation, and aspires
N i ge rd o c k F Z E , wh e re s h e i s deliver significant to continue with
assisting the Shipyard in business growth. organizations
revo l u t i o n i z i n g t h e b u s i n e s s H a v i n g Noimoth Akasan is a young, that value
development arm of the company, performed passionate seafarer and professionali
thereby boosting cash flow and creditably, s m a n d
company client base. she was
business development expert in these four
promoted the marine, oil and gas business cardinal
Noimoth built her career from the t o sector. She is currently the Business pillars.
scratch having worked as deck Business Development Manager of Nigerdock
cadet trainee onboard all Nigerdock Developm FZE, where she is assisting the She holds
FZE passenger boats and RORO e n t a Master's
Manager
Shipyard in revolutionizing the Degree in
barges. From there, she trained as
Boat Captain, conveying passengers f o r t h e business development arm of the Maritime
and Cargoes on inland waterways. shipyard company, thereby boosting cash Transport
She later became the Mar ine from 25th flow and company client base. Management
I n t e r f a c e O f f i c e r f o r P ro j e c t February 2019 f ro m L a d o ke
Management from Jan 11 2018- April till date. A k i n t o l a
3, 2018, interfacing with clients on all University of
maritime related issues. She is a member of Technology, Ogbomosho,
Women's International Shipping & Oyo State; Post Graduate Diploma
She was elevated to Business T ra d i n g A s s o c i a t i o n ( W I S TA i n M a r i t i m e T r a n s p o r t
Development Account Officer for International) Management, Ladoke Akintola
U n i v e r s i t y o f T e c h n o l o g y,
Ogbomosho, Oyo State and Higher
National Diploma in Shipping and
Por ts Management, Cer tif ied
Institute of Shipping, Magbon,
Badagry, as well as a National
Diploma in Nautical Sciences from
the Federal College of Fisheries
and Marine Technology, Wilmot
Point Rd,VictoriaIsland, Lagos.

Noimoth has also undergone a

series of professional training and
certifications, including
P ro f e s s i o n a l C e r t i f i c a t i o n i n
Winning New Customers through
Va l u e A d d e d M a r k e t i n g ,
Association of Automobile,
Boatyard, Transport, Equipment &
A l l i e d E m p l oye r s o f N i g e r i a
(AABTEAEN), River Master - Inland
Water Craft & Ratings, Nigerian
Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency (NIMASA); Quarter Master,
Nigerian Maritime Administration
and Safety Agency and Leadership
Training, Citizenship and
Leadership Training Center, Sea
School Apapa, Lagos etc.

Ships & Ports | 82


Obiageli Obi
O biageli Obi is the present
D i re c t o r G e n e ra l ,
Nigerian Chamber of
Shipping.A highly experienced
a n d re s u l t s - o r i e n t e d L e ga l
Practitioner with over 20 years of
successful experience in
Maritime and Commercial Law
practice, Obiageli has a flair for
addressing operational issues,
resolving perf ormance
b o t t l e n e c k s a n d a c h i ev i n g
desired objectives.
Obby found herself in the
maritime sector by chance.
She did not know she
belonged to the sector until
somebody saw her at an
event and hired her to run a
shipping company at a very
high level. The person
trusted me with the job, and
she learnt on the job; and
she loved the sector.
Ms. Obi has a chartering and
commercial experience and a
substantial knowledge of global
perspectives of shipping
operations and management. She
i s we l l ve r s e d i n s h i p p i n g
o p e r a t i o n s
outbound/inbound cargo across
international and local trade
lanes. She is an enterprising
leader with proven record of
success in people management
and leadership.
A charming lady with executive
presence, Obbyhas managed
business relationships at the
executive level in Nigeria and
globally, demonstrating capacity
to influence senior executives
through strength of ideas and
a t t ra c t ive p e r s o n a l i t y. S h e
possesses a solid judgement, a
passion and understanding of the
oil tanker market and ship owner
environment.
Obby has worked with Chisco
G ro u p a s G ro u p M a n a g i n g
Consultant (2016-2017) where
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
she brought her vast knowledge
in transport/logistics to bear on
the company's revenue
generation by driving company's
target through the heads of
subsidiaries, and re-positioning
the HR department to focus on
achieving the company's targets.
She was the Managing
Director/CEOof Zebulon Trade
and Logistics Ltd from January
2010 –August 2016, providing
innovative, timely and cost
efficient ship operation services
at competitive prices to shipping
companies and other maritime
agencies in Nigeria and the
Western Sub-Sahara.
Within the same period, (2010-
2014) she was Executive Director,
Eric and Gayle Consulting, Lagos,
a firm that provides professional
service in the area of specialized
training and human capacity
development, and Consultants to
the Niger ian Chamber of
Shipping.
At the same time, she worked
p a r t - t i m e a n d i n vo l u n t a r y
c a p a c i t y a s t h e E xe c u t i v e
Director, Women in Politics and
G ove r n m e n t , a n o n - p ro f i t
f o r
organization which seeks to
p rov i d e a p l a t f o r m f o r t h e
enhancement of women's
fullparticipation in politics and
governance in Nigeria.
Ms. Obi has LLB, BL degree from
the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
She attended Queens School
Enugu for her West African School
Certificate (WASC).She is a
C h a r t e re d M e m b e r, T h e
Chartered Institute of Logistics &
Transport.
O bby f o u n d h e r s e l f i n t h e
maritime sector by chance. She
did not know she belonged to the
sector until somebody saw her at
an event and hired her to run a
shipping company at a very high
level. The person trusted me with
the job, and she learnt on the job;
and she loved the sector.
Ships & Ports | 83
 TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Affiong Ibanga
In May 2018, Affiong
was appointed a
member of Advisory
Board of the USA-
Nigeria Trade Council,
United States of
America (USA), where
she is expected to
provide leadership and
overall guidance and
direction in the
programmes, policy
and strategic efforts to
improve trade traffic
between the USA and
Nigeria.

M rs. Affiong Ibanga is the Vice Chairman

of AML Bonded Terminal. She is also the
Treasurer of the African Women in
Maritime (WIMA) Nigeria and a member of the
Women's International Shipping and Trading
Association (WISTA) Nigeria. Affi has more than
18 years of experience in international trade and
operations and over 12 years in shipping and
logistics. She has many admirable qualities such
as her exceptional simplicity, humility, loyalty
and diligence at work.
In May 2018, Affiong was appointed a member of
Advisory Board of the USA-Nigeria Trade
Council, United States of America (USA), where
she is expected to provide leadership and
overall guidance and direction in the
programmes, policy and strategic efforts to
improve trade traffic between the USA and
Nigeria.
Affi is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of
Shipping (FCIS), and the Vice-Chairperson of
AML Bonded Terminal (Advanced Motors and
Logistics Limited), a leading freight forwarder,
export/import services, shipping agency and
bonded terminal operator. She is also the Chief
Executive Officer of AML Farms and Industries
Limited.
She holds a Master's degree in Transport
Management (MTM), Ladoke Akintola University
of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and a Post
Graduate Diploma in Logistics (PGD) from the
same institution. She is also a graduate of Atlanta
Technical College, Atlanta Georgia, USA.
Affi belongs to several associations both
nationally and internationally, including the
Chartered Institute of Shipping (CIS), Chartered
Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Women
in Shipping and Trade Association (WISTA)
Nigeria as well as the Africa Women in Maritime
(WIMA). She is the founder and Chief Executive
Officer of A-smile Initiative and Empowerment
Foundation, (Georgia, USA and Nigeria).

Ships & Ports | 84


Folake Soji-George
F olake Oladapo Soji-George is the
Chairperson, Women in Logistics and
Transport (WiLAT). She holds a Bachelor's
degree in Russian languages and a Master's
degree in International Law and Diplomacy
from the University of Lagos.
She started business as an entrepreneur in 1991
and has since then established and registered
three contracting business ventures, which
specialize in logistics and haulage, including Al
– Hadiat Nigeria Limited co-established with
her friend Bolanle Jaji.
Folake is a highly determined and persistent
person who derives pleasure in actualizing
TOP MARITIME WOMEN IN NIGERIA
whatever dreams she set out to achieve. In the
haulage industry, she has distinguished herself
and made landmark achievement which led to
her appointment as the first female President of
the Corporate Fleet Truck Owners Association.
As the President of the association, she has
contributed immensely towards the restoration
of sanity on Lagos ports access roads, by
ensuring that trucks belonging to her members
are not parked on the roads to constitute
nuisance to other road users.
She has been recognized by stakeholders in the
haulage industry with numerous awards to her
honour.
Ships & Ports | 85
 Women
Fitness
1 Get Massages Regularly
physical. It won't take long to notice a
difference in how you feel, even after a
few days.

As if you needed an
excuse to hit up the
3 Take Workout Classes
spa, right? Since
Some people aren't
stress has so many
gym people, and that's
negative effects on
OK—but before you
the body—from
give up on the whole
anxiety and
exercise thing, try
depression to
workout classes
strokes and heart attacks—you have
instead. There are
to take every opportunity you can to
plenty of different
lower your levels, and getting a
options with different intensity levels
massage is a great way to do it.
and vibes, and you can keep checking
Relieving that tension is great for both
them off your list until you find
your mental and physical health,
something you love.
keeping you feeling strong as you age.
4 Take a Walk
2 Get a Gym Membership There are so many
benefits to walking it's
You've been telling almost hard to count.
yourself you need to Moving around is so
get a gym much better for your
membership for health compared to
years—so what are being stuck at a desk
you waiting for? all day, and even a 10-minute stroll has
When you put your been shown to give you a great energy
money down on boost for up to two hours afterward.
something, you're more likely to use it. (Best work break ever!)
And, heading to the gym every day is
great for your health, both mental and

Ships & Ports | 86

 Women Fitness

5 Sit Up Straight According to Harvard Medical School,

it keeps your body strong and flexible,
Posture doesn't increasing your range of motion. Not
seem like a big only does that help prevent injuries,
deal, but it actually but it also leads to healthier joints and
affects your health muscles. So the next time your favorite
more than you show is on, get off the couch and
might think. Not stretch it out on the floor instead.
only does sitting
up straight or 8 Do Pilates
standing with confidence make you
feel really good, but according to the
Mayo Clinic, proper body alignment While yoga is a great
can also help prevent strain on your exercise option,
spine, muscles, and joints. And that Pilates is a winner
could help prevent any injuries from too when it comes to
happening in the future. your health. The
workout focuses on
proper breathing,
6 Get a Proper Amount of Sleep keeps your spine and pelvis aligned,
and tones your body through smooth,
Sleep is something flowing movements. It's a great way to
you should never get your heart rate up and relieve
skimp on when it some stress at the same time.
comes to your
health. A lack of
sleep can make 9 Don't Sit Too Much During
you feel drowsy, the Day
irritable, mess with
your memory, and even change your If you have a desk
personality—yeah, it's powerful stuff. job, it's not
Set a bedtime every night and stick to uncommon to plop
it to ensure you're your healthiest self. down in your seat
and stay there most
of the day. But there's
7 Stretch Regularly a reason to make it a
point to get on your feet. Stretching
Stretching might and walking around gets your blood
seem like a waste flowing, and that leads to making you
of time, but give it feel more energized. Plus, on top of
a chance—it could that, your brain also gets a nice boost,
make a big making you more creative and be able
difference in your to think more clearly.
well-being.

Ships & Ports | 87


“I don't feel intimidated”
C omrade Funmilola Fasan has been a
unionist for over 20 years and she is
currently the Vice President General,
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
She is also the Financial Secretary, Nigerian
Labour Congress (NLC) Women's Committee
L a go s C h ap t e r. I n t h i s i n t e r v i e w w i t h
Shulammite 'Foyeku, she said her passion for
speaking for the voiceless spurred her into
unionism.
Excerpts:
Can you give a brief background of yourself and
how you joined the maritime workers union?
I was born in Lagos some 50 years ago, and married
with two children. I graduated from Yaba College of
Technology where I studied Accounting. Firstly, I
found myself in the industry because I needed a job.
I have an uncle who was then a Customs officer; he
helped me secure a job at one of the shipping
companies. Thereafter, I worked with Comet
Shipping Agency and currently Five Star Logistics
where I work in the operations department. I joined
the union because I worked with a shipping
company.You cannot be in the union without having
It was a tough
battle but I
thank God, the
men supported
my coming on
board. I also
have the women
that stood
a job or a background in the maritime industry. It
was from the company I worked with that I joined the
in-house union before I rose to become a district
woman representative.
Is becoming a union leader a deliberate choice or
you just find yourself there?
I did not just find myself in the union. I am there
because I choose to speak for people. It is an
interest I have to represent the voiceless.
How has it been rising from when you started as a
woman representative to becoming the Vice
President General of the union?
It has not been very easy. From the district, I rose to
become the women representative of shipping
branch of the union. It was a tough battle but I thank
God, the men supported my coming on board. I also
have the women that stood by me. From then, I rose
to the national trustee of the union before becoming
the Vice President General. It has not been a smooth
sail, it has really been tough. When I feel it is so
tough for me to carry on, I call them and they keep
supporting and assuring me of their support and
they have been always there.
Ships & Ports | 88
The maritime workers union is accidents on the road. they believe if they can do it,
male-dominated. Don't you Do you have any challenges women can do it. I believe if it is
sometimes feel intimidated while growing up? time, or interest of being there,
being in the midst of men I am the first child of my parent so I
they will give the support. I
engaging in union activities? enjoyed all the attention I needed.
believe what a man can do a
The union is gender sensitive. I re a l l y d o n o t h a v e m u c h
woman can also do better. The
They don't believe it has to be men challenges growing up. men will only succeed, if the
a l l t h ro u g h . S o I d o n ' t f e e l women support them, so it is vice-
intimidated.When I look back and What are hobbies? versa; when the men also support
see the men behind me, I am I like shopping. I don't get tired of women, they will succeed in any
always assured of their support getting new and beautiful things. I position they find themselves.
and they believe women can do it. also like reading and dancing. T his year, the Inter national
Maritime Organization (IMO), is
Have you had any background Do you have any unique trait, focusing on empowering women
being a unionist prior to joining something that differentiates in the maritime community. As a
the maritime workers union, you from others? woman leader, what message do
perhaps while in school? I am a normal person. I don't think I you have for young women who
No, I never had any. I started while have anything special. But what I are aspiring to take up leadership
I was working. know people do tell me is that I position?
always stand by people when My advice to f ellow women
What operational challenges do there are issues even in NLC or ITF. aspiring for leadership role is that
you face in the course of your So they believe I can speak on they should not be too anxious to
duty as an employee? their behalf. make quick money. Let them start
It is the Apapa gridlock. As a from the scratch and be patient.
unionist, I believe I still have to be at How do you relax outside your They should be bold to ask
work despite the fact that I do have work environment? questions. When they do that, the
meetings here and then even outside I like staying in door with my sky will not limit them. They
Lagos. I do my work in the office and family. If I am not reading, I will should be courageous because I
when it's time for union work, I am watch Television. I also like k n ow t h a t m o re wo m e n a re
always there too. So I combine both. travelling. coming on board now. In the past,
My management also supports me you hardly see a woman that wants
because they know my position in the Are you aspiring to the position to join the union in my company
union. But it has not really been easy of President General of the but I tell you, the last unit election
getting to work because of the union some day? that we had, about five women
gridlock on the access road. I have Yes, if I am giving the opportunity came out to contest. So it means
situations where some of my as a woman, I would love to. The they are getting aware of what is
colleagues' have died due to men have been supporting and happening around.

Ships & Ports | 89

 How INTELS is empowering Nigerian women through WEPSS

“I don't see how anybody can stop any

woman from being who she wants to be”
Mrs. Funke Agbor, leading maritime lawyer and arbitrator, and first female maritime
lawyer in the country to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, spoke with Ships &
Ports on becoming a SAN. The interview was first published in September 2016.

Excerpts:

Congratulations on your
elevation as a Senior Advocate
of Nigeria (SAN). How does it
feel?
It actually feels really good. I
didn't think it will feel as good as
that but it actually does. First of
all, I didn't aspire to it as early as
I could have and when I did start
working towards it; it seems like
an endless road and in fact when
my name was published in the
newspaper as one of those to be
conferred – from 4th of July when
the names were published to
19th of September (2016), which
was the conferment ceremony
day – I kept wondering if it would
actually happen but it was a
wonderful ceremony and I really
give God the glory. It was an
amazing day for me and I am
really proud to be a SAN.
A lot of people said you were
long overdue for it. Why didn't
you pursue it early?
My focus was really on the
practice of law. It was not
something that was in my
consciousness. I never
considered myself as somebody
who would be a SAN and it was
not something I aspired for. I
think this is as a result of a bit of
my background. Well as we say,
God's time is the best and I think
now is the right time for me.
Can you give us more insight
into your background?

Ships & Ports | 90


When I started practice, I was
working with Mr. Fola Sasegbon
of blessed memory. He was a
wonderful mentor to me and he
was an activist in his years. I think
he was the first or one of the
earliest secretaries of the
Nigerian Bar Association. When
the issue of QCs and Senior
Advocates came about, he didn't
believe that you should apply. He
thought that you should be
invited and I think around that
time in the UK, you needed to be
invited to become a QC. With that
sort of background, it was not
something I felt was appropriate
at that time because I was
influenced in a way by him which
was okay; I could understand
where he was coming from, so I
never really thought about it
much. I was with him from 1985 to
1993 when I joined this law firm:
Adepetu, Caxton-Martins, Agbor
& Segun (ACAS) Law in 1993 and
after a few years, it was like
maybe I should actually consider
it. At that time I must have been
how many years at the bar
because I was called to bar in
1982. So it was not something that
was in my consciousness and it
was not until 2005 that it occurred
to me to work towards it and of
course my partners felt I should
apply and they encouraged me
to do that and 10 to 11 years later,
here I am.
You are the first female
maritime lawyer that has
attained this height. What do
you think is the significance of
this to the women folk who
mostly look up to people like
you for inspiration?
I actually never thought of it like
that as the first female maritime
lawyer. I think as of when the last
Senior Advocates were
appointed, I think the women
were like 19 or 20, now in the
entire country and we have over
400. Well the route for women is
quite different in the sense that I
guess we have other
“I don't see how anybody can stop any woman from being who she wants to be”
responsibilities that we have to
take side by side with having this
kind of aspiration. In terms of
significance, I think it is good
because the maritime sector is
an important sector of the
economy and for me; it is a
sector of the economy that I don't
think the government has fully
appreciated. I think it has been
so difficult for them to put the
right people to actually drive the
Nigerian economy through the
“
You can be a wife,
mother, having a
home to look
after and at the
same time have a
career and be
“
successful at it.
maritime sector. At the moment,
what we are having as maritime
or what we describe as maritime
really that is even providing any
real economic benefit for the
country is the oil and gas sector
and that is offshore oil trading
and because offshore oil and gas
sector requires maritime
transportation, that is where we
are getting the benefits at the
moment, which is also part of the
maritime sector and is very key.
So, that is why we have NIMASA
for instance, which is the
maritime sector's regulator and
the Nigerian Content
Development and Monitoring
Board which is the oil and gas
regulator working hand in hand
obviously with the maritime
sector.
In terms of what being the first
female maritime lawyer to be a
SAN and how that impacts on
other women who are aspiring to
higher positions – so to speak – I
think it will certainly be a kind of
encouragement to them knowing
that these things can actually
happen. You can be a wife,
mother, having a home to look
after and at the same time have a
career and be successful at it. You
can't benchmark yourself against
men who are about the same age
with you because if you do that,
you are looking for
disappointments. What I tell
people especially young women
is that there is no rush.
Sometimes you find women who
are actually coming to their own
after the children have gone to
the university and if you go to
school early, you finish first
degree at 21/22, you do your
Masters degree and you are in
the workplace at age 25. You
work for 10 to 20 years till about
45. By that time, your children
should be grown so that at that
age, you can actually kick start
your race properly and you will
still catch up and mind you, you
are not catching up with anybody
because there is no race. People
will be wondering, how did you
do it but you have to be focused. I
encourage people not to
compare themselves with men,
especially women.
Are you satisfied with the
representation of women in the
shipping sector in terms of
appointments into boards etc?
I don't really have real insight
into some of these things in terms
of corporate bodies and
representation of women but I
think there are quite a few
women in position of authority in
the sector. There are people who
are there quietly doing their jobs.
I think the opportunities are
always there. It is just for people
to want to aspire to those
positions of responsibility and
work towards it. I don't see how
anybody can stop any woman
from being who she wants to be.
Ships & Ports | 91
When womanhood
and duty meet the law
C arola Rackete and Pia Klemp are two
German ship captains who are
demonstrating to the world what it
means to be a woman. These are women who
C aptain Carola Racketeis a German
ship captain who works for the
German sea rescue organization, Sea-
Watch.In June of 2019, she was arrested for
see themselves for what they are –women, docking a migrant rescue ship, Sea Watch 3,
God's vessels to bring life to the world and without authorization in the port of
nurture it. They see life as sacred, the Lampedusa, Italy. Carola defied Italian
n a t i o n a l i t y, r a c e , t r i b e o r re l i g i o n authorities by rescuing more than 40 migrants
notwithstanding. Hence they cannot stand and off the coast of Libya and ramming her way
watch life being wasted at sea –call them into a port on the Italian island of Lampedusa.
illegal migrants or anything.

On coming face to face with the law, they chose

womanhood and duty in defiance of the law,
putting humanity before the law. Despite the
law criminalizing humanitarian activities on
the Mediterranean Sea, Carola and Pia have
been rescuing migrants on the Mediterranean
Sea. As a result, they found themselves in
trouble with government authorities.

As we mark this year's World Maritime Day, we

remember and celebrate these two heroines.

Carola Rackete
Ships & Ports | 92

In the process, her ship hit Italian police speed
boat. She was subsequently arrested and
charged with human smuggling.
On 12 June, Ms Rackete's ship rescued 53
migrants who were drifting on an inflatable raft
in the Mediterranean sea off the coast of Libya.
Despite Italian authorities later permitting 13
people to disembark on health reasons, it led
to a two-week stand-off as Rackete sought to
get the remaining passengers to safety.
She refused to obey a military vessel and
navigated towards Italy's Lampedusa Island, a
move which led to her arrest.
C a p t a i n C a ro l a R a c ke t e ' s a r re s t s e n t
shockwaves through Europe and across the
world, with many high-ranking politicians in
the EU praising her actions while others
believe she broke the law.Her action also
caused tension between Germany and Italy.
Though she was released after a few days in
detention, she is still facing an Italian
investigation on allegations of aiding and
abetting illegal immigration and entering
Italian waters in violation of the ban on rescue
ships from entering Italy's ports.
A f t e r h e r a r re s t , h e r s u p p o r t e r s h a d
immediately rallied around her cause and
raised over €1 million within a few days to
assist her in the weeks and months ahead with
covering potential legal costs she may incur, as
she could theoretically face a decade in prison
if convicted.
Rackete said she had to defy the ban and dock
the ship because she had no choice. She was
aware that entering Italian waters risked
serious consequences, but said her decision
was "not an act of violence" but simply an
attempt to get "exhausted and desperate"
When Womanhood and Duty meet the Law
people on to dry land.
She said she disobeyed orders because some
migrants had started self-harming and she was
afraid the worsening situation after days at sea
could "lead to suicides".
Capt. Rackete said she had not meant to put
anyone in danger and had made an "error of
judgement" when calculating the position of
the police speedboat that she rammed into
while docking.
This month she was awarded the prestigious
"Gold Medal of Honour" from the Catalan
Regional Parliament for her rescue missions.
While receiving the award, Carola said, "I am
still under investigation by the Italian
authorities but am I worried? Honestly, no,
because my actions were justified. What I am
worried about are the injustices of this world
fuelled by growth-based economic system
and political power structures rooted in
colonial times.”
She received this award having rejected in
August Paris's highest civilian award, accusing
the city of hypocrisy.
The 31 year-old is determined to continue
rescuing people in need:
"I see a very, very urgent need to act, because
people are losing their lives every week in the
Mediterranean Sea, which I see as our
common European border. So protecting
them, I think, is a duty of European citizens,"
she said.
Rackete criticized the European Union for
what she described as “building border walls
in the sea," urging the EU to agree on a policy
for resettling migrants throughout the bloc.
Capt. Carola Rackete, “the "rich, white,
German woman" as she is called has a nautical
degree and studied environmental sciences in
the UK. She has taken part in expeditions, both
for research organizations and for the
environmental group Greenpeace.
S h e l a t e r j o i n e d S e a - Wa t c h , a n o n -
governmental association that carries out
rescue missions in the Mediterranean.
Ships & Ports | 93

She told a Swiss
newspaper, “We have
only followed
international law,
especially the law of the
sea, where the highest
priority is to save people
from distress.The rescue
is criminalized. We are
already paralyzed. And
that's why people are
dying on the
Mediterranean.”
C apt. Pia Klemp is another German woman
who has been facing the full brunt of the
Italian law. She also defiedthe immigration
laws and orders under the leadership of Italian
Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. Her case is even
more serious than that of Rackete, as she faces up to
20 years in prison for personally helping to rescue
at least 1,000 migrants at sea.
Klemp was the captain of the Luventa sea vessel,
which scoured the Mediterranean in 2016 and 2017
in search of migrants at risk of drowning. The boat
was seized in August 2017, and charges were filed
against her a year later, with allegations including
cooperation with migrant smugglers and
encouraging illegal immigration.
Though she is well-known among migrant
supporters, herarrest received somewhat less
coverage than Rackete's, probably because
Rackete's arrest took place against the backdrop of
Italy's Interior Minister Salvini's tightening grip on
immigration with his "closed-ports" policy.
Salvini was the Federal Secretary of the populist
Northern League Party as well as the Deputy Prime
Minister of Italy when Rackete was arrested, and
went as far as saying that Rackete's defiance of his
orders was "a criminal act and an act of war" by a
"pirate ship." But he did not hold any public office
when charges were brought against Pia Klemp and
thus may have had less opportunity to use her arrest
and trial for publicity purposes.
When Womanhood and Duty meet the Law
Pia Klemp
Capt. Klemp holds the European Union equally
responsible for the changing rhetoric against
migrants in Italy and elsewhere. In an editorial in
Newsweek magazine published in June 2019, Klemp
wrote that such attempts at criminalizing acts of
solidarity with migrants trying to come to Europe
"demonstrated the lengths to which the European
Union will go to make migrants' lives expendable.”
"The ensuing media and political campaign against
us has gradually succeeded in removing almost all
NGOs from the central Mediterranean, leaving
migrants braving the sea crossing with little chance
of survival. The transformation of the Mediterranean
into a mass grave for migrants is a European
political project," she wrote in the editorial.
Last August Pia Klemp refused to accept a medal for
bravery from Paris' mayor, saying, "We do not need
authorities deciding about who is a 'hero' and who is
'illegal'.”
Klemp announced that she was rejecting the Grand
Vermeil Medal, which the city of Paris awards for
bravery. She told Mayor Anne Hidalgo that the city
was brimming with hypocrisy.
"Your police steal blankets from people that you
force to live on the streets, while you raid protests
and criminalize people that are standing up for
rights of migrants and asylum seekers. ...You want to
give me a medal for actions that you fight in your
own ramparts," Klemp wrote in the scathing post.
Ships & Ports | 94

"It is time we call out hypocrite honorings and fill the
void with social justice," she said. We do not need
authorities deciding about who is a 'hero' and who is
'illegal,'"she said. "In fact, they are in no position to
make this call, because we are all equal."
Klemp's refusal to accept the medal came on the
heels of a 19-day standoff between a Spanish rescue
ship, Open Arms, and the Italian government. An
Italian court had ordered the seizure of the ship and
the evacuation of everyone onboard on Lampedusa.
Five countries belonging to the European Union
agreed to accept the migrants.
Klemp's Luventa, formerly a fishing vessel, is
estimated to have saved 14,000 people.
Capt. Klemp, 35, who was hailed as a life-saving
humanitarian in June said she was now prepared for
a long and expensive legal battle.
Italian authorities allege that she and her
colleagues colluded with smugglers to collect
m i g ra n t s a t re n d e z vo u s p o i n t s o n t h e
Mediterranean Sea and “stage” rescues.
She denied any criminal wrongdoing and has
vowed to fight her prosecution all the way to the
European Court of Human Rights if necessary.
She told a Swiss newspaper,“We have only followed
international law, especially the law of the sea,
where the highest priority is to save people from
distress.The rescue is criminalized. We are already
paralyzed. And that's why people are dying on the
Mediterranean.”
“We are accused of aiding and abetting illegal
entry,” she explained. “On it stands up to 20 years
When Womanhood and Duty meet the Law
imprisonment and horrendous fines,” she said.“We
are facing a year-long show trial. The legal and legal
costs alone will amount to over 300,000 euros
(£266,000) plus travel and campaign costs.”
She regretted that the worst thing about the episode
was that the money for her defence - partly raised
through donations - could have been used on rescue
missions.
Klemp has the support of more than 85,000 people
who have signed a petition urging Italy to drop the
charges.The author of the petition, Hannes Seidel,
wrote that charging Ms Klemp and fellow members
o f p r iv a t e re s c u e s h i p s wo u l d m e a n t h e
“unconditional surrender of humanity in Europe”.
“This is an injustice to all the people in need who,
out of desperation, flee across the Mediterranean
Sea and risk their lives.”
Pia Klemp is an activist, a biologist, and a ship
captain. She is from Bonn, Germany. She fell in love
with the ocean after working as a Dive Instructor
around coral reefs. She says that's also when she
came to realize that the oceans are at risk because of
pollution and over-fishing. Klemp says that she
decided to go into ocean conservation after
witnessing the destruction of the ocean.
She joined the Sea Shepherd, an international
marine wildlife conservation organization, because
she wanted to protect the ocean against what she
sees as humanity's greed and destructiveness. Sea
Shepherd uses what it calls “innovative direct-
action tactics” to combat illegal activities on the
high seas. Explaining why she joined Sea Shepherd:
“The complexity and beauty of life, plant or animal,
deeply fascinates me. I worked as a dive instructor
around some of the most amazing reefs, loving the
ocean more with every dive. At the same time it
became evident to me how pollution is destroying
the underwater habitats, how many marine species
are endangered, how blinded by greed we are:
fishing, trawling, killing until extinction; how much
coral is dying and how little is happening to stop this
mass destruction. The more I've seen and learned
the greater my urge to protect the seas has become.
After some conservation projects in Germany,
Thailand and Indonesia, I joined the Sea Shepherd
ships 1.5 years ago.”
This sentiment, Klemp has extended to the rescue of
human lives, saying rescuing drowning people is
the duty of every captain. “For every captain this is
the duty,” she told Sea Watch. “Apart from that it
should be self-understandable for overprivileged
Europeans like us.”
Ships & Ports | 95
 Nigeria’s renewed interest
in IMO Council seat
By Enyeribe Anyanwu
O ne of Aesop’s famous fables tells the story
of a hungry fox who strolled into a
vineyard and saw a lush bunch of grapes
hanging from a tree. He jumped as far as he could,
but the grapes were out of his reach. Even with a
running start, he could not grab the juicy grapes.
Frustrated, the fox slinked away, muttering that he
was sure the grapes were sour anyway.
This was the case of Nigeria when it reached out
for the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Council seat in 2011, and came back empty and
frustrated. Before then, Nigeria was a Council
member in Category ‘C’. Over-confidence, levity
and dependence on lobbying with Nigeria’s
resources instead of fulfilling IMO’s conditions
robbed the country the seat which it had sought to
reclaim.
Those were the days of Ziakede Patrick
Akpobolekemi in NIMASA. In 2011, Akpobolekemi
and the Transport Minister then had led the motley
crowd of Nigerians that usually attended the
biennial IMO gathering of maritime nations to
London to seek Nigeria’s re-election. They failed.
Nigeria failed. And after they came back shame-
faced, Akpobolekemi started to question the
importance of the IMO Council seat to Nigeria. In
2013, Nigeria did not participate in the election, as
Akpobolokemi decided that Nigeria did not need
it, and never went for it again until he was shoved
out of NIMASA. His argument echoed by his
lieutenants was:
“We spend millions of naira every two years in the
name of campaigning for the IMO Council seat,
and the current management of NIMASA is of the
opinion that such money could be better spent by
channeling it into the development of the local
shipping industry.
“The current leadership does not believe in
jamboree. We believe in practical development of
the shipping sector and that is why we are not
contesting this time around.” They maintained the
same stance in 2015.
But his successor, Dr. Dakuku Peterside did not see
the IMO Council seat as a sour grape for Nigeria –
the same with the current Minister of
Transportation. Both of them truly understand the
significance and benefits of Nigeria being part of
the IMO governing Council hence they went for it
in 2017. Though Nigeria lost again, that has not
dampened the fighting spirit of the duo.
Once again, the IMO general assembly is
approaching. Nigeria is warming up again to stake
a claim to Category ‘C’ Council seat. Industry
operators are optimistic that this time, Nigeria will
not fail in its bid to be re-elected into the Council
considering the support of President Mohammadu
Buhari is giving the project and the efforts so far
made in putting the nation’s maritime ‘house’ in
order. The prayer is that at the end of the IMO
regular assembly and council elections come
November, Nigeria will come back rejoicing as it
did in 2007 under Dr. Ade Dosunmu.
Ships & Ports | 96
 Female practitioners and
the Apapa gridlock
By Shulammite 'Foyeku
I t has never been easy for
women to juggle a thriving
career and a happy family
life. Most women today scramble
to run two lives, one at home and
one at work. They want to be
good wives and mothers but
they also want to be
intellectually stimulated by a
challenging career or at least
bring in a second income to help
their households get by.
For female practitioners in the
maritime industry, especially
those who work in the port city
of Apapa, the challenge of
balancing career and family is
more overwhelming as they also
contend with the unrelenting
Apapa gridlock commuting to
work daily.
Coping through these
challenges, female practitioners
in the industry have remained
resolute, giving in their best at
their various establishments
including public and private
organizations with even some
rising through to the top of their
careers.
To lessen the burden of these
career women, government
agencies and some private
organizations have put in place
several initiatives to encourage
and motivate them.
Managing Director, Nigerian
Port Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala
Usman, a gender activist, last
year commissioned a crèche
facility for nursing mothers that
work at the Lagos Port Complex
Apapa as part of effort to help
them to be more productive at
work while coping with the
gridlock and managing the
home front.
The crèche is the brainchild of
the former Port Manager of the
Apapa Port and current General
Manager Operations of NPA,
Aisha Ali-Ibrahim.
While the government has taken
steps to address the traffic
congestion along the port access
roads and its environs; there is
no better time than now to
hasten the completion of the
ongoing construction along the
roads especially the Tin Can-
Mile 2 road to alleviate the
sufferings of these committed
female workers.
Government's effort to ensure
the evacuation of cargo from the
port by barges and rail are also
well noted. One cannot but
commend the Federal
Government for its commitment,
while also requesting for
expedited action to ameliorate
the challenges faced by women
who go to work in Apapa daily.
Ships & Ports | 97