Foundation charges students to explore careers in maritime sector
The Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) has onboard 35 students from nine secondary schools across South-West Nigeria for sea-time experience to inspire interest in marine careers.
The foundation’s President, Mrs Violet Williams, said the students were selected to participate at the “Special Easter School to Sea Career Programme” held at the Ship Yard in Apapa, Lagos, on Thursday.
The students enjoyed an educational tour of ship sections and a short-sea trip aboard a tugboat.
Also reports that the students received lectures on career prospects in the marine and blue economy, and guidance on pathways to success in those fields.
Williams stated the initiative seeks to bridge a knowledge gap about maritime opportunities among schoolchildren in Nigeria.
“Maritime isn’t taught in primary or secondary schools, but this programme offers pupils a chance to explore the marine and blue economy.
“I don’t see these young ones as just children, but as future marine engineers, ship captains, maritime lawyers, and master mariners,” Williams added.
She commended the teachers present, describing them as nation-builders whose dedication to children’s development is admirable and deeply appreciated.
Williams noted the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ stressing that knowing the right action is key to progress.
She said the foundation focuses on empowering girls in maritime, especially in seafaring, a field still largely dominated by men.
She pointed out women comprise just two per cent of global seafarers, and the IMO continues to promote gender parity within the sector.
During the tugboat tour, Chief Engineer, Ms Abimbola Ladundoye, demonstrated engine components and explained ship parts and their functions to the students.
The event included a guest lecture by Mr Anthony Ogadi, MD of Nacet Marine Services Ltd., who spoke on maritime logistics and the sector’s framework.
Ogadi, a former Shipping Development Head at NIMASA, explained maritime trade’s importance to the global economy and industrial sustainability.
He highlighted the sector’s role in manufacturing, food security, cargo inspection, insurance, and international economic stability.
Mrs Temilade Ogunniyi, ex-APM Terminals Commercial Manager, urged students to explore technology-driven innovations in the marine and blue economy.
“Having worked at the seaports, I believe technology remains underutilised in the port and maritime sector,” Ogunniyi observed.
She said automation and tech-based solutions are crucial for improving efficiency within ports and the broader maritime landscape.
Mrs Ruth Chukwukezirm, MD of Gobel Energy and Logistics, addressed logistics and supply chain opportunities with the students.
She explained customs clearance ensures proper documentation, verifies export permissions, and confirms payment of necessary customs duties.
Chukwukezirm added customs agents ensure VAT, duties, and all required fees are duly paid by cargo owners or freight forwarders.
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