The Mission to Seafarers (MTS) plans to establish a designated jetty in Lagos to improve access to its centre for the over 3,000 seafarers visiting the port annually.
Chief Adebayo Sarumi, Chairman of MTS Lagos, disclosed this on Sunday during the Annual Sea Sunday Service and award ceremony at All Souls’ Anglican Church, Lekki, Lagos.
Sarumi highlighted that the jetty would complement the recent partnership with the Nigerian Navy FOC Command and other maritime agencies.
He expressed delight at the increased patronage by seafarers since the Apapa facility was enhanced to global best standards.
“Across the globe, over 220 ports are celebrating this event, honouring the brave individuals who enhance our quality of life.
“The Mission to Seafarers Lagos has a cherished history dating back to 1914, providing essential support to seafarers,” he said.
He acknowledged some challenges faced by seafarers to include physical danger, long voyages, psychological trauma, piracy and illnesses.
“We are committed to mitigating these challenges and providing support to seafarers,” Sarumi added.
Andrew Wright, the Secretary-General of MTS Worldwide, expressed pride in the development of MTS activities in Lagos, praising the renovation of the MTS Lagos Centre as a significant achievement.
Vicky Haastrup, Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), pledged support for the welfare of seafarers and MTS Lagos, urging other stakeholders to ensure seafarers receive the respect and recognition they deserve.
Bishop Ifedola Okupevi of All Souls Church, Lagos, emphasised the importance of seafarers’ welfare and called on maritime operators to improve hospitality towards them.
Reverend Cannon Aduroja, Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers, shared his regular visits to ships for prayer and counselling, assuring seafarers they were not forgotten and offering support to them and their families.
Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi, a Board member of Mission to Seafarers, acknowledged the global celebration of seafarers on Sea Sunday and commended MTS for their outreach efforts, which led to the creation of a recreation centre for seafarers in Apapa.
Mrs Funke Agnor, President of the Nigeria Maritime Lawyers Association, commended the selfless services of seafarers, noting their long absences from family and the often-overlooked human aspect of maritime disasters.
Jean Anishere, former Continental President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), called on stakeholders to support the Mission to Seafarers in completing their facilities for visiting seafarers.
Dr Odunayo Ani, President of the Women in Shipping and Trading Association, lauded MTS’s efforts in providing a recreation centre for seafarers.
The Mission to Seafarers awarded five maritime stakeholders for their contributions to seafarers’ welfare.
They include former MD of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Muhammed Bello-Koko; STOAN Chairman, Mrs Vicky Haastrup; Group Chairman of SIFAX, Chief Tailor Afolabi; President of Nigeria Maritime Lawyers Association, SAN Funke Agnor and former Continental President of Women in Shipping Africa, SAN Jean Anishere.
