Seated L-R: Engr. John Oguntokun; Captain Ade Olopoenia; Dr. Hope Orivr, PhD.; Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho; Engr. Richard Owolabi, and standing L- R: Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu; Captain Tajudeen Alao; Captain Adewale Ishola; Engr. Kato Abuja, and Engr. Hakeem Oderinde, at the Waterside Centre unveiling.
In a strategic move to foster industry dialogue, promote mentorship, and strengthen maritime community ties, Nigerian mariners have inaugurated the Waterside Centre—a dedicated hub for maritime discourse—at the Mission to Seafarers (MTS) headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
Conceived as a platform to tackle everyday maritime challenges from inland waterways to deep-sea shipping, the Waterside Centre will also focus on sustainability in riverine communities and mentorship within the blue economy. Beyond its functional purpose, the centre doubles as a recreational and intellectual hub, hosting a periodic Mariner’s Forum.
Formally established in 2025, the Waterside Centre is chaired by Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, with Dr. Hope Orivri serving as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Speaking at the well-attended inauguration ceremony, Capt. Iheanacho—former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas Limited—noted that the centre was envisioned to unite maritime stakeholders around shared goals and collaborative growth.
He used the occasion to pay heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Chris Asoluka, announcing that a symposium will be held annually in his memory.
“Dr. Asoluka made lasting contributions to the maritime sector, and this annual event will ensure his legacy remains alive in the industry he helped shape,” Iheanacho said.
He also addressed critical safety issues in the maritime sector, highlighting the need for robust onboard safety management systems (SMS), regular audits, and crew-focused improvements. According to him, safety at sea must also incorporate mental health support, effective fatigue management, and clear communication systems.
Detailing best practices, he added, “We enforce strict measures, such as pre-arrival security information submission to NIMASA, continuous vessel monitoring, adherence to international standards, and rigorous security checks. These practices not only protect the crew but also ensure marine environmental safety.”
On her part, Dr. Hope Orivri described the Waterside Centre as a visionary space for fostering community, learning, and professional development in the maritime industry.
“This centre is more than just a physical space—it’s a community for maritime professionals to network, share knowledge, and mentor the next generation,” Orivri said.
She emphasized its unique role in offering mentorship opportunities to young seafarers, boat operators, and local coastal dwellers, while preserving indigenous knowledge and building industry cohesion. Orivri, who is also the publisher of One Page Africa, reiterated that the maritime sector cannot thrive in silos but must function as a connected and cooperative ecosystem.
In a technical paper presented at the event, Engr. Richard Owolabi, Head of Technical at the Abuja MoU (Port State Control for West and Central Africa), explored the role of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in strengthening maritime workforce development.
Delivering a presentation titled: “Training and Development: Investing in Maritime Workforce to Bridge Skills Gap in the Face of Emerging Technologies,” Owolabi examined issues including the implementation of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), the recent conversion of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron to a university, and persistent challenges around seatime for cadets.
His paper sparked a lively conversation on closing the skills gap, improving training infrastructure, and advancing maritime human capital in Nigeria.
In his closing address, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), commended the vision and execution of the Waterside Centre, likening it to the much-celebrated Aviation Industry Roundtable. He urged mariners to spearhead the creation of local Protection and Indemnity (P&I) clubs to tackle challenges tied to inadequate vessel insurance in the country.
The launch attracted numerous industry stalwarts, including former NAMM Presidents Capt. Ade Olopoenia and Capt. Adewale Ishola; MTS Lagos executive and NPCC Port Operations and Logistics Committee Chairman, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu; AMES Secretary, Engr. Kato Abuja; as well as Engr. Akeem Oderinde and Engr. John Oguntokun.
