Expert called for continuous development to maintain performance in maritime
A maritime expert has former Continental President, Women in Maritme Africa (WIMAFRICA) Jean Anishere, has called for intentional and continuous human resource development among industry practitioners in order to maintain optimal performance in the maritime sector.
Anishere made the call at a one-day conference organised by the WIMAFRICA Nigeria, on Thursday in Lagos, themed "Blue Economy and Professional Capacity Building for the Next Generation."
Anishere (SAN), in her keynote address stressed that investing in professional capacity building, individuals could advance their careers and contribute to the development of the blue economy.
"As the maritime industry continues to evolve, it is essential to foster a knowledgeable workforce. By exploring the diverse career skilled paths and prioritizing professional development,
"Individuals can unlock the potential of the blue economy and shape a sustainable maritime future," she said.
Anishere observed that navigating career path in the maritime industry was a journey that requires continuous learning,
She explained that strategic networking, hands-on experience, were proactive approach to career development.
Anishere also a maritime lawyer, commended WIMAFRICA Nigeria for incorporating students and young practitioners in the seminar.
She said one could successfully chart a course for long-term career growth
by understanding the industry landscape, investing in education and training, building a strong professional network, gaining practical experience and developing leadership skills.
Meanwhile, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Temisan Omatseye, encouraged the young participants to explore vocations in uncharted aspects of maritime like pipeline and cable installations on seabeds.
Omatseye, charged NIMASA not to neglect its responsibility on the regulation of activities on the seabed, especially for oil and gas installations and the telecommunications industry.
He underscored the importance of getting Nigeria on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) White List which would enable the country avail youths quality training opportunities in the maritime space.
"When I joined NIMASA as Director General, I met the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) that have been introduced but not yet implemented.
"I found at the time that officers at the Merchant Navy were aging and it was the same with Master Mariners and other seafarers.
"I approved the NSDP programme and we commenced training with the hope to replace the aging workforce and review the process in another four years.
" However, the problem escalated when we began training NSDP cadets without providing where to absorb them for sea-time training and permanent employment," he said.
Omatseye opined that the emergence of Dangote Refinery had changed the narrative for seafaring in the country as it promised more seafaring employment opportunities.
Also speaking, the WIMAFRICA Continental Vice President, Mrs Carol Ufere, admonished the participants to seize the opportunity to learn, network and build relationships that would advanced their respective careers.
"I congratulate Mrs Rollens Macfoy and the entire executives of WIMA-Nigeria for this strategic and laudable programme."
In her welcome remarks, the WIMAFRICA Nigeria President, Mrs Rollens Macfoy, noted that globally the employment market hae witnessed a spike in women taking on new jobs that were once traditionally for men.
She stressed that the maritime industry should not be left out for women to explore .
Macfoy expressed delight that more women professionals were emerging in Nigeria, even as called for more opportunities across various aspects of the maritime sector.
"We need more women incorporated into the maritime sector. Today's women walk the talk and deliver in whatever they want to do. When women live well and are fulfilled, they contribute their skills to the workforce, raise happier, healthier, and more productive children too.
"They help fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies. Educate a woman, you educate a nation and the world at large.
"The countries doing so well economically are those that have a greater percentage of women at the helm of affairs.
"Women are known for creating high-level corporate leadership for gender equality; treating people fairly at work, ensuring the health; well-being, and safety of all workers; promoting education, trainings, and professional development," Macfoy said.
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