Together we can create a vibrant and thriving maritime sector in Nigeria--Lawrence Chukwu

By Chinonye Anyatonwu

The World Maritime University Alumni Association of Nigeria (WMUAAN), has held their Inaugural dinner to honour their past and recent efforts graduates of the prestigious World Maritime University, Maimo, Sweden to float the association and to welcome the 2023 set who has just returned after their program at the school. The event which took place on Tuesday at the Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel, Lagos was attended by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Economy able represented by Hajia Aisha Bisalla, and many bigwigs in the Maritime industry.

In his welcome address, the president of the association, Mr. Chukwu Lawrence stated that in togetherness the alumni can create a vibrant and thriving Maritime sector in Nigeria, one that contributes to the overall development and growth of the nation. He said the alumni has over the years made a significant strides, driven by the passion of their esteemed members. " Last year, we conducted a peaceful and transparent election, resulting in the election of 7 Executives, these individuals have dedicated themselves to guiding the Association towards the fulfilment of it's objectives". Mr. Chukwu said the momentous occasion serves as a platform for them to reconnect with their peers, share their experiences, and forge new connections within the maritime community. "As we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, let us also recognize the hard work and dedication of our faculty members and staff at the World Maritime University. Their expertise and guidance have played a significant role in shaping the success of our graduates. According to him, "In the coming year, we plan to host our Maiden Annual Maritime and Blue Economy Conference in collaboration with the World Maritime University, International Maritime Organization (IMO); Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy; all Government agencies in the maritime sector and critical industry players, including the academia to discuss strategies for harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy"Mr. Chukwu stated. The President of the World Maritime University, Professor Max Mejia, in his goodwill message through a video recording congratulated the chapter especially the Executives for aspiring to use the expertise knowledge they had acquired from the WMU to collectively develop the Nigeria Maritime industry. He expressed delight on the hosting of the dinner by the Alumni of the University, which he said have graduated over 200 students, saying, "You are the current End User leaders and innovators that will ensure that Nigeria's aspiration in the Maritime sphere becomes a reality'.

In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy ably represented by Hajia Aisha Bisalla said the World Maritime University(WMU), have long been recognized for it's commitment to excellence in Maritime institution and research.

The knowledge and skills impacted by this prestigious institution have actually played a pivotal role in shaping the career of it's prejudice, "As a member of the alumni, we are not only beneficiaries of the education but also forthbearers responsible for carrying the whole world". According to her,"The establishment of WMU alumni Nigeria chapter signifies the high commitment to offspring collabaration, sharing perspectives and contributing to the development of the Maritime industry in Nigeria. Your collective efforts holds the potentials to bring in positive impacts not only within the alumni community but also in the broader Maritime landscape of Nigeria.

Hajia Bisalla encourage them to embrace the spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing that defines what Maritime industry is all about.