The Certified Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN) has appointed the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA); Chief Isaac Jolapamo as Patron of the Institute. This is even as he has pledged his unwavering support and dedication to fostering development in the shipping sector.
While delivering his acceptance speech during his investiture in Lagos last Thursday, Chief Jolapamo emphasized the pivotal role the Institute would play in realizing the government’s vision for the maritime sector.
With a rich and diverse background spanning marine engineering, naval service, civil service, and business ventures, Chief Jolapamo articulated a steadfast commitment to advancing the maritime industry’s growth and nurturing the Institute’s potential.
Reflecting on his past endeavors, Chief Jolapamo recalled spearheading the formation of the Indigenous Shipowners’ Association of Nigeria (ISAN), now known as the Shipowners’ Association of Nigeria (NISA).
According to him, remarkable milestones were achieved under this association’s banner, including the establishment of the widely acclaimed Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX), plans for NISA Ocean Transport Ltd – poised to engage in student training, and initiatives for a Protection and Indemnity Club (P & I Club) catering to African ship owners.
Expressing confidence in the Institute’s potential to soar in Nigeria’s maritime landscape, the Chief Jolapamo gave a resolute assurance of continuous support and an open-door policy for collaboration and assistance for the institute.
In his words: “ The role that this great Institute of Shipping is expected to play in achieving the laudable objectives of the Federal Government and all stakeholders cannot be overemphasized. Without being immodest, I will say that you have made the right decision or choice in my nomination and investiture as the Patron of the Institute.
“It needs mentioning that several years ago, God used me (and my entourage and colleagues here seated) to spearhead the formation of the maiden body of ship owners in our country, the Indigenous Shipowners’ Association Of Nigeria (ISAN), since renamed Nigeria Shipowners’ Association (NISA).
“Among our achievements and plans are the establishing and organizing the popular Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX), the incorporation of a shipping company, *NISA Ocean Transport Ltd (We shall train students of this great Institute when we commence operations in the very near future), our determination to establish a Protection and Indemnity Club (P & I CLUB) for African ship owners.
“As your Patron, I am very much aware of the weight of the responsibilities of my high office. Such offices are not at all strange to me in my chequered history and career as a marine engineer, Naval Officer, civil servant, businessman and so on.
“All I can assure you of at this juncture is my unwavering commitment and passion for the development of the maritime industry and your Institute. This passion has remained my life and living and will remain so, till eternity. By the grace of the Almighty God, the giver of all good things, I promise never to let the Institute down in any way.
“Of course, as your Patron, my doors will always remain open to you for whatever assistance that may be required of me and I have the strong faith that He will be my help, as in ages past and in several years to come. I have no shred of doubt that this Institute is poised to fly high in Nigeria’s maritime space” Jolapamo concluded.