The Nigeria Shipowners Association of Nigeria (NISA) yesterday inaugurated its newly elected executives led by Capt Niyi Labinjo, they are to lead the association for the next two years.
In his inaugural speech, Capt. Labinjo made a passionate plea to the duo of Engineer Gregory Ogbeifun, Chairman Starz Group as well as former Director General of NIMASA and Chairman Polymaz Shipping Limited, Barr. Temisan Omatseye to lend him their experiences and also join hands with him.
The Nigeria Shipowners Association of Nigeria (NISA) yesterday inaugurated its newly elected executives led by Capt Niyi Labinjo, they are to lead the association for the next two years.
In his inaugural speech, Capt. Labinjo made a passionate plea to the duo of Engineer Gregory Ogbeifun, Chairman Starz Group as well as former Director General of NIMASA and Chairman Polymaz Shipping Limited, Barr. Temisan Omatseye to lend him their experiences and also join hands with him.
Labinjo had defeated Ogbeifun and Omatseye in the recently conducted elections to clinch the position.
The inauguration which also doubled as the 66th birthday celebration of founding chairman of NISA; Chief Isaac Jolapamo, was graced by Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Barrister Hassan Bello and many industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Capt Labinjo begged Ogbeifun and Omtseye who had challenged his victory at the recent NISA election to embrace peace and work with him to ensure that Nigerian shipowners get better participation and get their jobs back from foreigners.
"I will like to appeal to those our members, particularly my good friend and brother whom I have great admiration for, Gregory Ogbeifun to please join me in the new effort to rid our waters of usurpers"
"The same appeal goes to Temisanre Raymond Omatseye whose participation in the NISA election added glamour and colour to the exercise, we shall require your respective experiences and reach in the task of bringing our jobs back" he said.
Labinjo promised that NISA under his watch will cooperate with all stakeholders and government for the benefit and growth of the maritime industry.
Speaking earlier, former NISA Chairman, Chief Isaac Jolapamo tasked the Labinjo-led executives to continue where he stopped and that they must build on the foundation that has already been laid.
Jolapamo recounted how NISA under him, Capt Labinjo and Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho was formed over a decade ago with clear aim of providing succor and maintain national pride and dignity.
He said that more than $US4billion was invested on ships by NISA members in order to carry Nigerian oil and also provide services to its burgeoning oil industry.
He expressed happiness that some of the gladiators in the recently conducted elections are now united in the task of moving the maritime industry forward through NISA.
"After steering the affairs of the association from inception, I am today handing over to the incoming democratically elected President convinced that he will start where I stopped and build on the foundation already laid while working in synergy with the government and other stakeholders in the overall interest of our industry and the nation at large"
"The incoming administration is rich with professionals and cut across various sectors, essential to a virile maritime industry. I call on them to use their skills with dexterity and strike the forces of domination with precision" Jolapamo advised.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Hassan Bello described Chief Jolapamo as a consistent leader and commended him for handing over to competent hands.
Bello who pledged the support of the Council to NISA, charged the Labinjo executives to ensure that they pursue matters relating to Cabotage, Ship Acquisition Funds among other matters that is pressing to Nigerian ship owners.
On his part, Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi who was represented by Mr. Felix Bob Nabena described Capt Labinjo as an embodiment of knowledge, saying that he has what it takes to lead NISA.
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