Ex- MWUN president praises Oyetola’s IMO Win, calls for Maritime Academy upgrade

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The immediate past President-General of Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, has congratulated Honourable Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, on his recent victory in securing Nigeria’s election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category ‘C’ Council Seat.

In an e-signed release by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna head of Media MWUN, Dr. Adeyanju praised the Osun State-born minister’s strong and radical approach, led by his inter-ministerial campaign committee, which achieved remarkable success for Nigeria, surpassing previous wins in 2011 and 2019.

As Vice President Global of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Adeyanju stated that Hon. Oyetola is among President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministers whose performance has brought honour and pride to Nigeria, securing the Category ‘C’ seat in the IMO and elevating Nigeria’s maritime industry globally.

Dantosho and Moberola

The Oyo Prince also commended the MD of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Executive Director of Shippers Council of Nigeria (SCN); and Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, for their coordinated efforts in achieving this landmark success for Nigeria’s maritime sector, which will boost the industry locally and globally.

Comrade Adeyanju also urged the federal government to upgrade the Maritime Academy, Oron, to enable Nigerian seafarers and dockworkers to obtain necessary documents locally, rather than traveling to countries like Ghana.

Such upgrade according to the ex- P-G, would be a fitting follow-up to the IMO council seat victory, and would support the country’s maritime industry.

Prince Adeyanju emphasized that the efforts that led to Nigeria’s success in securing the IMO seat could be replicated to improve the Maritime Academy, Oron, and benefit the institution’s cadets and the country’s seafarers, who often struggle to obtain certifications in neighboring countries.