Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Nigeria is set to join the global community in celebrating the Day of the Seafarer on June 25, 2024. The event will be marked by a significant ceremony in Lagos, with high-profile figures leading the commemoration.
Among the dignitaries set to participate are the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, and the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Honorable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
They will be accompanied by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Seafarer’s Trust Fund.
Dr. Mobereola emphasized the importance of recognizing seafarers’ contributions and encouraged Nigerians to engage with the celebrations through social media, using the hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea.
“Seafarers are the unsung heroes of our global economy, the lifeblood of international trade. They sacrifice a lot for humanity’s existence as they leave their families for months for our sake. Let us celebrate their resilience, dedication, and the invaluable role they play in our world,” he stated.
The 2024 Day of the Seafarer aims to highlight the critical role of seafarers as essential workers, a sentiment strongly echoed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This year’s theme aligns with NIMASA’s mission to enhance the protection and career opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.