The Nigeria chapter of African Women in Maritime (WIMA) marked the celebration of the African Day of the Seas and Oceans, yesterday with a sensitization walk to raise awareness about the challenges facing Nigerian seas and oceans, especially on the area of dumping refuse on the seas.
The women group led by the WIMA Nigeria President, Barr. Jean-Chiazor Anishere organized a walk from the Eko hotels to the Bar Beach on Victoria Island, distributing flyers that highlighted the benefits of safe and clean seas and oceans.
Speaking to MMS Plus on the significance of the sensitization exercise, Barr. Jean-Chiazor said, “today, we are celebrating Africa’s Day of Seas and Oceans in compliance with the African Union (AU) charter with regards to the AU Agenda 2050 which talks about how African nations can maximize the huge benefits of the region’s seas and oceans”
“WIMA Nigeria decided to organize this road show as awareness to the public to appreciate the fact that if we keep our seas and oceans safe and clean, we will naturally appreciate and enjoy the huge benefits accruable. We have to inform the public that they should endeavour to keep our drainage free from empty cans, plastics, cellophane bags and other chemicals that damage our waters. In the last few weeks, we observed the terrible situation in Lagos of flood where houses submerged, affecting a lot of businesses, people losing vital documents, etc.”
“Nigerians, especially Lagosians are not happy with these floods and the dynamic Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode has promised to ensure that the problem of over-spill of water or blocking of drainages which has led to destruction of lives and properties would be addressed. At WIMA Nigeria, we think it is important to join hands with the government to ensure that people don’t liter our waters and the drainage systems. We want our waters to be safe and clean for easy navigation and we should also know that 80% of protein comes from sea products” Jean-Chiazor added.
Meanwhile the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman commended WIMA Nigeria for taking the initiative to ensure Nigerian waters are kept clean and safe.
Usman who was represented by the General Manager Special Duties at NPA, Mrs. Ugo Madueke expressed satisfaction that WIMA Nigeria was working in tandem with the African Union and the International Maritime Organization to ensure that the seas and oceans get the necessary attention to remain the gateway to the nation’s economy.
