IMD 2025: ITF Vice Chairman Adeyanju highlights ocean’s role in global economy, climate

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, Vice Chairman of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has joined the global community to celebrate International Maritime Day (IMD) 2025.

Dwelling on the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, the immediate past president of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigerian emphasized the ocean’s gifts to humanity and need for protection.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Ogboyega oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy at 2025 IMD

Speaking at Ikoyi Hotel on September 25, Adeyanju commended Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, for his vision and achievements in promoting the blue economy, creating awareness and generating wealth and employment.

Comrade Adeyanju stressed that maritimers must adhere to rules, regulations and ISPS code governing maritime operations globally to protect the ocean, ensuring benefits like food, trade, jobs and climate regulation are sustained for humanity.

He said, “When we are talking about the blue economy, we cannot divorce the ocean from it, which the creator of the universe has given to nature; therefore, we must protect it, so that we don’t lose out of trade, job and put our economy into jeopardy. This is the much reason we must all join hands to keep the ocean fresh and lively for every living creature underneath it.

Adeyanju, “I must commend Minister Oyetola for his vision for his ministry, and for having achieved so much in this little time. The Osun State born Minister has created so much awareness of the ministry by creating wealth and employment in that area of endeavor.

“I urge all Nigerians to take up professionalism of trade from that angle of the marine and blue economy, which is an arm of both local and international trade, which the country cannot afford to ignore.”

Adeyanju strongly advocated for a strong, united efforts to keep oceans “fresh and lively” for the benefit of all creatures and to safeguard trade, jobs and economic interests tied to maritime activities.