Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, Chief Executive Officer of LeLook Nigeria Limited has stated that transportation is the core of the maritime industry which is a profit generating sector of the maritime industry and relatively untapped. It involves various aspects such as stevedoring, supply chain, logistics which anyone interested in the maritime industry can easily delve into.
She made this statement as a keynote speaker at the Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network’s (WEPDN) Annual General Meeting(AGM) and Conference held at NECA House Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos on December 6th 2022.
Ezenwa, who is also the managing director of Ocean Serve Logistics Limited, added that the maritime industry is lucrative and cannot be exhausted in terms of income generating even if one wants to start locally by making fishing nets, baskets, and creating a small industry for the rural fishing community which includes providing dryers and cold room and transport system to move the products to off-takers.
Dr Obiora Madu the managing director and chief executive officer of Multimix Group who was a special guest at the event added that the Logistics and Supply Chain industry is one aspect of the maritime industry which entrepreneurs and students can explore.
He further stated that he is willing to partner with WEPDN in running a Logistics & Supply Chain Club in schools which will make students marketable in the maritime industry and any other industry of their choice.
Dr Obiora runs a certified logistic/ supply chain academy that has churned out big names in the logistics and supply chain sector.
Responding, an astute educationist and Founder of WEPDN, Iyalode Alaba Lawson who is also an astute educationist and proprietress of Alaba Lawson Group of Schools in Abeokuta applauded the initiative and enjoined schools and students to avail themselves of the opportunity.
Mrs Affiong Ibanga the Chief Operating Officer of WEPDN added that “The Catch Them Young Initiative” of the association is billed to showcase more female players in the maritime industry in the nearest future as WEPDN is willing to mentor the students through the clubs which is a paramount objective of the association.
Present at the event were women who are trailblazers in the Maritime industry in the person of Iyalaje Dr Hajia Idayat Bolanle Muse CEO/ MD of Bomarah Group, Dr. Mrs Anna Akpan Retired Asst Director NIMASA, Mrs Affiong Israel Ibanga the COO of WEPDN and Vice Chairperson Operations AML Bonded Terminal. The current DG of The Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Mrs Vivian Chimezie Azubuike who were panelist at the event.
The 2022 Annual Conference/AGM was chaired by Mrs. Temitope Ande, the Chairperson of Maritime and Export Cluster of the Association.
Also present were students from Oregun Junior & Senior School and Ikeja High School.
Recall that WEPDN was launched in November 2019 and this year witnessed the 3rd AGM & Conference of the association.
