WMU Holds Welcome Reception For Set 23, Reflect On Challenges Towards Maritime Development

By Chinonye Anyatonwu

The President of World Maritime University(WMU), Nigeria chapter, Mr. Lawrence Chukwu has task members to reflect on the immense challenges and opportunities towards the development of the Maritime industry in Nigeria. Mr. Chukwu stated these during the welcome reception of the set 2023 World Maritime University (WMU)Alumni Association, inaugural dinner held recently at the Victoriaqq Crown Plaza Hotel, Lagos. In his welcome address, he said the event is an opportunity to celebrate the berthing of the great institution, "It is also an opportunity for us to celebrate the berthing of the alumni of our great institution, while we also serve as an advocacy body in supporting the Federal Government’s quest to diversify the economy through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy".

"As you all may know, the World Maritime University Alumni Association Nigeria Chapter was established to be a platform for collaboration, sharing best practices and helping to build formidable maritime capability in Nigeria," According to him,"It is fitting that our inaugural dinner and welcome reception is held to honour past and recent effort to float the Association, as we reflect on the immense challenges and opportunities towards the development of the maritime industry in Nigeria. Over the years, the Alumni Association has made significant strides, driven by the passion of our 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 its objectives.It may interest you to know that one of the key deliverables set by our Executives is the registration with Corporate Affairs Commission, in addition to registration, our Executives have also outlined other key deliverables, including organizing this inaugural dinner and a welcome reception for our Class of S-23 who recently returned from the University in Malmo, Sweden, after graduating with degrees in Maritime Affairs.

In his words,"This 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. Continuing, "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. He said the conference will serve as a testament to the Association’s commitment to supporting government’s quest to promote sustainable Blue Economy initiatives in Nigeria. He however assured the alumni commitment to supporting their members throughout their educational and professional journey, ensuring that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen careers. Mr. Chukwu outlined their areas of focus which include: Lifelong learning; promoting maritime awareness and contributing to the upliftment of the society. Foster Industry Collaboration on sustainable Blue Economy: To offer expertise advice, initiate programmes and activities that generates interest in harnessing Nigeria’s blue economy while offering networking opportunities among members. Research and Capacity Building: Organizing workshops and seminars to enhance knowledge and skills development in key areas such as Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management, Governance and Management, Maritime Energy management, Maritime Safety and environmental Administration, Green Shipping and Logistics, Maritime Technology and Innovation, amongst others.

Still speaking, "Together, we can create a vibrant and thriving maritime sector in Nigeria, one that contributes to the overall development and growth of the nation.In conclusion, let us come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the formation of the World Maritime University Alumni Association Nigeria and to welcome our recently graduated class of S-23". This inaugural dinner and welcome reception marks the beginning of an exciting journey, as we come together to support and nurture the maritime industry in Nigeria. In his goodwill message, the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, stated that an asset as a Maritime country starts from the sea and how you utilize it, "I keep saying that your asset as a Maritime country starts from the sea and is how utilize it intercollevtivity , what each an every one there have is a blank cheque in Maritime policy, why do I say this? Two weeks ago I sponsored a fishing competition from the Apapa boat club, as a president of the Nigerian Maritime Societies, immediately I put a token for banners and T-shirts, those guys got over 15 fishermen who came with their boats went offshore, by the time were through with the event, we had about 30 million naira worth of sponsorship". Continuing,"So it's time for you to come up with initiatives, it's a blank cheque you need to draw either with your body, as a member of boat club, you can have that big opportunity, give your agency direction, do not despair, though there are some initiatives you would be driving at and people will push you back, and you think there is no head way, it's only you that can make it happen", Admiral Olugbode narrated.

He equally advised that whatever thing you do in life, you need to believe in yourself, do not see yourself as an individual, just come together and see how far you can go, there are a lot of opportunities out there, you grab it only when you push forward. Rear Admiral Olugbode thanked the organizers of the event for the opportunity and encourage them to find a way to make sure that their footprint is not just registered but also go a long way in the advancement of the country.

In attendants are, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy (Represented) the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry (Represented) the Director General of NIMASA the Managing Director of NPA, the Managing Director of NIWA, the Executive Secretary NSC, the Acting Registrar, CRFFN, the President of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Distinguished Alumnus, Executives, Trustees & Members and members of the association.