Eminent maritime industry stakeholders and the media converged in Lagos last weekend for the official unveiling of members of the advisory board of the Maritime Industry Advocacy Initiative (MAIN).
It was an occasion which also afforded the NGO an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to engaging both public and private sector players in the push for a better industry.
Eminent maritime industry stakeholders and the media converged in Lagos last weekend for the official unveiling of members of the advisory board of the Maritime Industry Advocacy Initiative (MAIN).
It was an occasion which also afforded the NGO an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to engaging both public and private sector players in the push for a better industry.
At a brief ceremony in Lagos, the name of former director general, National Maritime Authourity (NMA) was announced as chairman, while members include: the chairman, Port Consultative Council, Otunba Kunle Folarin, national president, association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu and a member of Transparency in Nigeria, Mrs Shade Lawal.
While introducing the board members, MAIN executive director, Mr Sesan Onileimo disclosed that the NGO took its time to arrive at this point because of its seriousness and the noble intention of its promoters and the drivers.
The body’s disposition was later unfolded to the media by Mr Agu, who declared that the NGO would henceforth be the ‘vissioner’ for a new maritime industry in Nigeria.
Acknowledging that some people may have been doing things like that, he assured that what the MAIN is doing is to reconceptualise the maritime industry with a view to adding value to it.
“We don’t have all the answers, but we definitely have the commitment”, he stressed even as he appealed to the media to parley with the NGO.
Also speaking in the same vein, another member, Prince Shittu said that the NGO has come at very auspicious time to play its role in the interest of generations yet unborn.
He also assured that because it is free from government control, MAIN will be forthright in its positions on policies and actions. “We all agree that there are problems and that we need solutions, but the solution can come in different form, this is one of those platforms that can lead to the much-needed solution”, he pointed out.
On his part, the chairman of PCC and board member, Otunba Folarin also regretted the neglect of the sector and that the NGO will devote ample time to evolve a workable structure for the industry and that the focus should be on putting the right structures in place.
He also assured that the NGO will be in the forefront of advocacy in the industry and that it will require the help of industry players.
The only female member of the board, Mrs Shade Lawal who is bringing into the board her vast experience in advocacy assured that programme of the NGO would be purpose-driven and integrity based.
She also stressed that the NGO does not claim tom have all the answers to the myriad of challenges that are facing the sector, but added that the as Nigerians who are passionate about seeing a new country where things must work well it will make a change.
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