By Frank Odinukaeze
The name, Princess Victoria Haastrup is a name that elicits different kinds of emotions in the minds of different people in the maritime industry.All the elements are so mixed in her that even nature would stand up and say,this indeed is a great woman.
To most people ,she is a dogged fighter, who never gives up and would not take a no, for an answer. And to others ,she perhaps personifies what a true mother is all about: Compassionate, caring, devoted ,and above all, patient. She is indeed an embodiment of womanhood : Everything seems complete in her brain and beauty like a Monday creature.
Princess (Dr,) Vicky Haastrup is of the tribe of Leo in Horoscope and of August 16 native, associated with strong career ambition. They have solid leadership ability and do not thrive in positions of subservience. They believe in creating their own luck; not wait on luck and possess rare ability to discover gold and silver, a quality that is their key to success. She added another year to her age on August 16 in good health and good-standing.
What is in a name? Haastrup is a name that is associated with greatness.
Haastrup is of English Origin, and means : unstoppable and excellent being.The name represents practicality, reliability; discipline,sincerity and experience.These attributes are all embedded in the personality of Dr. Princess Vicky Haastrup.
It is these values that have ensured her meteoric rise to her present state in life as the Vice Chairman ENL Consortium and holds sway also as the chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria ( STOAN).
Princess Vicky Haastrup believes very much in teaching people how to fish and not give them fish , little wonder she took it upon herself,even at the risk of her life to manage over 5000 dockworkers in her employ, who inordinately tried to be funny. She showed courage and deep sense of responsibility in a seeming state of adversity.
Today, she towers above those pebbles and sees them as a ladder she must inevitably climb to her greatness. Today,the once most touted as miscreants in the industry are now well organised, respected and seen as partners in the business supply chain ,I mean the new dockworkers. Little wonder she is fondly referred to as ” Mama” of Dockworkers.
Recounting the experience and difficulties she challenges in managing the situation, ” I fought for the cause I know that I need to fight to be able to succeed because I know I had a job to do”
And that job is the success story of the reformed dockworkers .Indeed ,she came, she saw, and she is conquering. She is simply a maritime Amazon who treads where others dread.
It was therefore not surprising of the accolades and show of love that stakeholders,friends and family have been pouring on her as she marked her birthday last week Tuesday, being 16th of August,2022.
In their Congratulatory messages, both
President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju and immediate past President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA) Prince Olayiwola Shittu, congratulated the Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup on her birthday , pouring encomiums on her unassailable contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Aside being the Chairman of STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup ,also doubles as the Executive Vice Chairman of ENL Consortium, operators of terminals C and D at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.
The MWUN president extolled her immense contributions to the service of humanity in the maritime industry. Adeyanju praised her for her commitment to the welfare of port workers, especially dockworkers, which he said had been pivotal to growth and development of port operations and the entire economy at large.
His words, “Let me use this special occasion to, once again, thank you for your contributions to the service of humanity in the maritime industry. Your patriotism and commitment to the welfare of port workers, especially dockworkers have always motivated us. I pray that God continues to keep you in sound health to enjoy many more years.”
Prince Olayiwola Shittu described Princess Haastrup as a maritime industry icon, whose contributions to the nation’s maritime sector will continue to speak for many years to come,and prayed God to grant her many more years and strength so that she could continue to contribute positively to the development of the nation’s maritime industry.
“You are an icon of integrity, hard work and a great philanthropist, whose contributions to the nation’s maritime industry will continue to speak for many years to come. As a port investor and administrator, your achievements have been topnotch and remarkable. On this joyous occasion of your birthday, I join well-wishers to felicitate with you and pray that God provides you with more opportunities and strength. I wish you good health and long life. Many happy returns of the day,” he said.
In her own message, Governor of Women in ANLCA, Hajia Bola Muse, praised the exemplary leadership qualities of Haastrup, describing her as an amazing and role model for women. Muse said, “A very happy birthday to you my mentor, Princess (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup. You have been an inspiration to many, especially women that come around you. Thanks for the encouragement, inspiration and motivation. As you are starting another milestone today, I pray that God continues to bless and guide you through the years ahead!”
An advocate of gender balance and women inclusiveness in the scheme of things,Princess Haastrup also serves as the President of the Certified Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN) and a Trustee of some professional maritime women groups,including the Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT).
The ENL boss had been in advocacy for the women gender to be given more opportunity to thrive in the maritime Industry, because she believes they are more passionate in succeeding than the men folks.
The management of MMS WoFHOF Initiative also wished her a prosperous new year and many happy returns, describing her as a personification of humanity. “God uses her to recreate life in lives when least expected some times. She is one of vessels of empowerment not far from us”.
Princess (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup indeed is one person with many sides.
