A Nigerian- based Africa’s foremost training and manning agency, Ocean Deep Services Limited, has redefined seafaring with empowerment and welfare by ensuring that seafarers under its management are not just well paid but live with their future better secured through investments and retirement security.
Mrs. Rollens Macfoy,managing director,Ocean Deep Services Limited, who emphasized this on Wednesday during the agency’s commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Seafarers in Lagos, noted that as a policy they ensure that their seafarers invest wisely in their future while living right today, explaining that it provides emotional stability and sense of commitment to duty while onboard vessels.
To further boost their morale, the company rewarded four seafarers in its fleet for long service and professionalism. The four award recipients were; Adeleke Oluwagbenga; Ani Ogbonna, Enuma Godspower, Omowaye Olusegun.
Speaking on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2025 theme: “My Harassment-free ship”, Macfoy stressed the significant value of seafarers to global trade, lamenting that the federal government is yet to fully understand the plight and challenges confronting seafarers.
Macfoy, who is also the President of African Women in Maritime (WIMAFRICA) Nigerian Chapter, gave special gifts to all participating seafarers at the event and commended them for their sacrifices.
Earlier, the Managing Partner, Hudson Gee Nigeria Limited, Barr. (Mrs.) Gloria Kanabe, who is also the Vice Chairperson, Legal Committee, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), applauded Ocean Deep Services for always being passionate about seafarers’ welfare and development.
Kanabe noted that she has witnessed the development of some young seafarers under the guidance of Mrs. Rollens Macfoy and Ocean Deep Services Limited.
The Group Head of Human Resources, LTT Marine Services, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, in her speech,called for mutual respect among seafarers onboard vessels.
According to her, “Harassment comes in different forms. It is not just about sexually or physically, because it could also be verbally and emotionally. It comes in different forms.
“As a seafarer, you can have an argument or disagreement with your captain or chief engineer but it doesn’t mean that if you are bigger than the captain by size you bully him or her.
“What we are saying today is the need to have mutual respect for seafarers onboard vessels.”
On his part, the Founder of MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) and Chief Executive of MMS Plus Newspaper, Mr. Kingsley Anaroke extolled Ocean Deep Services for its laudable initiative to celebrate Nigerian seafarers.
Anaroke expressed worry that Nigerian seafarers have been characterised by pains associated with harassment, poor remuneration, lack of employment, scarcity of seatime opportunities, among others; therefore, he challenged the government and private sector groups to tackle these challenges.
The veteran journalist, however, noted that seafarers can play a unique role by partnering the government in addressing the menace of stowaways and illicit drug smuggling through shipping.
Maritime bigwigs from the Nigerian Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA) Western Zone, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), and other industry technocrats applauded Ocean Deep Services for her commendable work.
Some of the guests who graced the event were; WISTA Diamond, Mrs. FaithHope Alloysius; President, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Hon. Olaitan Williams; Assistant Public Relations Officer, WISTA Nigeria, Mrs. Toyin Oyeleke; Mrs. Chioma Azionu, NIMASA Western Zone; Spokesperson, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tincan Island Port, Mrs. Joy Onome; among others.
