The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Engineer Sarat Braimah has inspired young students to embrace a career in maritime irrespective of their gender and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Engr Sarat Braimah made this call when she hosted a group of primary and secondary school students nurtured by the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation in Lagos on Friday. The event was aimed at paving way for future leaders in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
While addressing the young students, Braimah elucidated on the numerous importance of choosing a career in the emerging Nigerian Maritime industry. She stressed that the time has come for serious intervention in engendering sustainable maritime education curriculum in schools, particularly as a process of closing the professional Maritime management gaps and targeting the girl child education in the hugely male dominated marine resources environment.
During a guided boat cruise with the children through the CMS- Marina and Apapa waterfronts, the Lagos Area Manager told the excited students and green horns that life on water is exciting and worth studying. She added that she would as opportunities permits, continue to support and monitor their academic progress.
“My dear children, I will encourage you all beyond just participating in Maritime debates and quiz programmes to take to Maritime studies either as an Engineer, Lawyer, Environmentalist, Ship Captain, Hydrographer and many other career options in the industry as the future looks brighter towards bigger international trade ecosystem through the ocean and Maritime domains” she noted.
On her part, the founder, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation; Mrs Violet Williams appreciated the Area manager for her support and encouragement to the foundation, particularly to the young lads.
Mrs Williams stated that she was surprised and elated at the red carpet reception accorded the children and the boat cruise experience which will remain memorable for the kids in their lifetime.
“We want to thank you on behalf of the students and teachers for this grand reception and outing. Our Ocean Ambassadors Foundation is determined to capture them young for a professional career in the Maritime industry and we look forward to more collaboration in the future education and exposure of these young lads and in particular the girl child education in Maritime studies” Williams stated in appreciation.
