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Feel free, unleash the talents in you

Oluwatoyin Mercy Olojo
Feel free! Love yourself! The role of self-love in truly being free cannot be overemphasized.
It goes beyond the feeling. Man! Woman! When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Do you see only your weaknesses or you can see your strengths too? Do you see just a baby-making factory, a common babysitter, just a breadwinner or you see a nurturer, husbandman, and builder of nations?
Do you see yourself as unworthy or weak? Do you see a trouble maker and gossip or a peacemaker? Do you see your filthy past or your glorious future? It is time to speak who you truly are into existence. This gradually helps you to consciously be who you should be.
You will have to accept yourself before you can have the world accept you. It’s not rocket science, you have to understand a product very well before you can successfully sell the same product to another person except you don’t mind looking silly to people.
You need to permit yourself to be the person God created you to be without apologies or fear. Be unapologetically successful. If Mary was not consecrated enough for the Savior to have come through her, He would have still been born of another virgin.
If she had given excuses to the angel Gabriel when He visited her instead of rejoicing, she might have been replaced. Luke 1:38 says that: “Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant, May everything you have said about me come true. And then the angel left her”.
If also Elizabeth had allowed strife, she would not have blessed her younger cousin, Mary as in Luke 1:42-45. Realize the power of being you. Understand your uniqueness. You are not just unique for nothing but God’s unique use. Deuteronomy 9:5-6 (KJV) says:
“Not for thy righteousness, or the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations, the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand, therefore, that the Lord thy God giveth thee not this land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiff-necked people”
This shows that even though you are special, you are highly replaceable. This is because you are not chosen. After all, you are perfect but that God should be glorified. If God has shown you a place to function, someone else was most likely meant to be there before you but failed God. Would you also do the same?
Do not let yourself shrink. Society might have relegated you to certain roles as a woman especially as a second in command. However, you choose to understand or believe that, it is imperative to note that whoever you have been called by God to be could have been given to a man if he could do it the same way you can do it.
Refuse to be in the background when you’re designed for the spotlight. Be bold to be you; Love yourself, feel free and follow your purpose. True authenticity is being truly you! Hiding in the shadows of someone else for the sake of validation is tantamount to being fake.
Understand your uniqueness and make sure it portrays and glorifies God.
Does your approach to work and relationship with people point to God’s will? Do people see you and thank God? They won’t thank God for you if you are underutilized; they won’t thank God if you shrink or hide.
Learn to differentiate humility from timidity.
Not rising to responsibility is not being humble. Not fulfilling destiny is not being humble. Wouldn’t you rather die empty?
Commitment and consistency cannot be overemphasized as instruments to being free to be you. True success is being committed to who you were created to be. Avoid distractions! Stay on God’s word, be consistent!
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62) KJV
There is never a time to look back. A man once said that if looking back was more important, the side mirrors and rearview mirrors of a vehicle will be bigger than its windshields.
Your future is not behind you.  It is trapped inside of you; unleash it! It is not about claiming sonship in God, it takes self-discovery. Sit down and ask yourself the value of your purpose to you and what it takes to fulfill it! To be truly free is to manifest God without any restrictions.
These are the days of His power and power is mainly reserved for people in authority. What do you exercise authority over? Are you ready to take charge of your territory for Christ?
Conclusion
The extent to which you can be convinced enough and be at liberty to be you is determined by the extent of God’s Spirit you carry. The Holy Spirit convinces, teaches, and guides you as well as encourages you in the Lord. God’s Spirit in you enables you to do the mind of God; to love as God loves, forgive as He does, and be kind to all mankind.
These are not the days of Esther, Deborah, Mary, or Hannah; these are your days and my days. Unfortunately, our time here on earth is limited and is a strong determinant of our place in eternity. Pending when you discover your place, be free to fit into God’s general purpose for mankind which is to bring Glory to Him, witnessing His love to all mankind.
You can’t be too old to make Heaven. You can only be too old to make an impact or to be who you were created to be. Begin now and regain the freedom to be you as to when you were a child!
Toyin, a motivational speaker, lives in Lagos

 

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NIMASA,KAIPTC seek digital empowerment for women to enhance their participation in maritime industry 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
In furtherance to the global recognition for women empowerment as encapsulated in the  theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration,Give To Gain,  the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has forged an alliance with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Ghana to drive digital empowerment for women in West Africa maritime domain.
The initiative, which enjoyed the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Inter-Regional Coordination Centre (ICC), was consummated at the three- day  symposium titled “Digitalization and the Empowerment of Women in the Maritime Sector of West Africa: Opportunities, Challenges and Pathways.” held in Lagos on March 10th, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Director – General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, pledged the commitment of the agency  to transforming the nation’s maritime domain and the entire West African sub-region into a global benchmark for gender-inclusive digital excellence.
Represented by the Director of Finance and Administration, Chudi Offordile, Mobereola emphasized that the maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by automation, smart logistics, and data systems.
He noted that while digitalisation creates new opportunities for efficiency and growth, it also exposes persistent gaps in the participation of women in the maritime sector, making their empowerment a critical priority for the industry.
“Across the world, digitalization is reshaping how ships operate, how ports function, how cargo is tracked, and how maritime administrations regulate and deliver services.
“While Digitalisation creates new opportunities, it also exposes persistent gaps particularly in the participation of women in the maritime sector and that is why empowerment of women in this area is critical.
“Across West Africa, women remain significantly underrepresented in many
areas of maritime operations.
“These disparities are not merely statistics; they
represent untapped talent, unrealized potential, and lost opportunities for
inclusive growth which we must find ways to close-out., ” he said.
The NIMSAS DG described digitalization as the ultimate disruptor of traditional barriers that have historically limited female participation.
“Digitalization acts as the “great equalizer,” shifting the industry’s centre of gravity from physical strength to intellectual agility and technical precision.
“It dismantles traditional barriers through AI-driven simulations and e-learning, which enhance the knowledge economy and promote skill acquisition, thereby creating new pathways for career advancement.
“Today a young woman in rural West Africa town can now access the same training modules as anyone in any part of the more advanced world.
“The transformation we seek is not an endpoint, but a continuous voyage. Digitalization is the wind in our sails, but inclusive policy is the rudder that guides us.” he said.
Describing the Blue Economy as a frontier of limitless potential, Mobereola said the agency is not merely seeking representation for women as a matter of social justice but pursuing sectoral transformation as a matter of economic survival.
He said the symposium resonated with the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric toward actionable strategies that will enable women in West Africa lead the next maritime frontier.
In his remarks, the Deputy Commandant of the KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo,highlighted  the significant role women play in shaping the future of maritime security and governance, especially as digital technologies redefine operational landscapes.
He noted that digital transformation offers a unique chance to enhance maritime domain awareness and coordination.
“The Gulf of Guinea is a maritime domain of immense strategic importance, rich in resources, and a hub for international trade.
“However, it also faces complex security challenges including piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking.
“Digital transformation presents a unique opportunity to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve coordination, and strengthen response capabilities.
” It is imperative that women are not only included but empowered to lead and innovate within this evolving digital ecosystem, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for inclusive growth and security.
“Women’s participation in maritime affairs has historically been limited by socio-cultural and institutional barriers.
Yet, their involvement brings diverse perspectives and solutions vital for holistic maritime governance.
“Digital transformation can act as a catalyst to break these barriers by providing platforms for education, networking, and leadership development.
” It is encouraging to witness increasing numbers of women engaging in digital skills acquisition, policy formulation, and operational roles within maritime security institutions across the Gulf of Guinea, ” he said.
Ayorrogo said since 2021, the KAIPTC has dedicated a specialized department to women and youth issues in the peace and security domain, recognizing that diverse perspectives are vital for holistic maritime governance.
He, however, noted that despite the progress made, challenges such as access to technology and digital infrastructure and gender gaps still persist in STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and professional training.
He added that digital threats such as cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns also pose new risks that require specialized knowledge and vigilance.
To address these challenges, the KAIPTC deputy Commandant called for concerted efforts from governments, industry, academia, and civil society to create enabling environments where women can thrive as digital leaders and innovators in maritime security.
He expressed the commitment of KAIPTC  to supporting the transformation through research and capacity-building initiatives that integrate gender perspectives and digital competencies.
“Our training programs increasingly emphasize the intersection of technology, security, and gender inclusion, equipping women with the skills necessary to navigate and influence the digital maritime domain. Collaboration with regional and international partners is central to expanding these opportunities and fostering networks that amplify women’s voices and contributions.
“Governments in the Gulf of Guinea must prioritize regulatory reforms that facilitate women’s access to digital tools, protect against cyber vulnerabilities, and encourage their participation in decision-making processes. Such policies will not only enhance maritime security but also contribute to broader socio-economic development and peacebuilding efforts in the region.
“Private sector engagement is equally crucial. Technology companies, maritime operators, and financial institutions have a responsibility to invest in women-led digital innovations and entrepreneurship.
“Public-private partnerships can accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge technologies while ensuring they are accessible and relevant to women’s needs and aspirations within the maritime sector, ” he said.
The event drew a diverse range of women stakeholders, including senior officials from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), educational institutions, maritime journalists, and women leaders within the sector.
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IWD: SIFAX distributes 500 food packs to Ijora community, empowers staff 

Geraldine Samuel, Senior Correspondent 
In a series of impactful activities spanning a school outreach, an employee empowerment webinar and a community food donation drive, SIFAX Group has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a multi-pronged initiative that touched the lives of hundreds of girls, women employees and vulnerable residents in Lagos.
One of the highlights of the celebration was an outreach programme to United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos, where over 500 girls received mentorship from senior female employees of the company.
 The session covered topics such as leadership, education, personal development and menstrual health awareness.
There was also a donation of textbooks to the school, menstrual pads, as well as perfumes to the students.
The speakers drew from personal career experiences to motivate the students, urging them to remain focused on their education and resist distractions.
 They emphasised that determination and discipline could open doors across any field — from business and law to medicine, technology and the creative industries.
Jesuyemisi Odeyemi, Company Secretary and Legal Head of SIFAX Group, charged the students to strive for excellence without reservation.
 “You are strong. You can do it, and you will. You will not only do it, but you will also do it well, you will do it better,” she told the girls.
Vanessa Uansohia, Head of Corporate Communications at Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), SIFAX Group’s aviation arm, also challenged the students to confront self-limiting beliefs.
 “The only person that is stopping you is yourself,” she said, encouraging the girls to pursue their ambitions with bold confidence.
As part of internal activities to mark the day, the company also organised an interactive webinar for female employees focused on strengthening communication and leadership capacity in the workplace.
Speaking on the topic, “Speaking: A Tool for Growth, Multiplication, and Career Progression,” Public Speaking Strategist, Joyce Daniels, urged participants to embrace public speaking as a catalyst for professional advancement, noting that confidence and conviction are the cornerstones of effective communication.
“If you will grow, multiply and have progression in your career, you will speak from a place of conviction,” she said, adding that impactful leaders distinguish themselves by their willingness to boldly articulate their ideas.
Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, described International Women’s Day as a moment to celebrate the social, economic and cultural achievements of women while renewing the call for gender equality.
“This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates deeply with our mission of inclusivity and empowerment.
” Every woman is a leader in her own right, and giving back creates growth opportunities for individuals, organisations and communities,” she said.
Extending its impact beyond the workplace, SIFAX Group also carried out a community outreach to Ijora where 500 bags of assorted food items were distributed to vulnerable households.
Each pack was assembled with essential household staples — rice, beans, vegetable oil, garri and salt, carefully curated to provide tangible relief to families within the community.
The distribution was conducted in collaboration with community leaders to ensure a transparent and orderly process.
Eniola-Jegede, who coordinated the outreach, noted that the initiative reflects the organisation’s culture of compassion and its determination to give back to the communities in which it operates.
She added that the exercise was also designed to amplify the message of International Women’s Day by encouraging women within the organisation to lead community interventions that uplift vulnerable groups.
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IWD: Mobereola, NIMASA DG, celebrates women for their contributions to maritime industry 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , Dr Dayo Mobereola, has applauded the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian Maritime industry.

In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day with the theme “Give to Gain”, Dr Mobereola celebrated the strength, expertise and invaluable contributions of women to the sector, emphasising that the industry has gained progress, innovation and sustainable growth through their efforts.

According to him “I celebrate your strength, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our maritime industry.

“The theme #GiveToGain reflects your daily impact. Through your professionalism, leadership, and resilience across sea-going, regulatory, technical, and administrative roles, you give excellence and our sector gains progress, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Mobereola further commended the dedication of women in the industry and reaffirmed his commitment to “a maritime industry where every woman is empowered to lead and thrive”.

International Women’s Day is a global observance that seeks to draw attention to challenges faced by women and the need to ensure gender equity.

This year’s theme “Give to Gain”, focuses on investing in women through resources, education, and mentorship to create a stronger, more equitable society, highlighting the fact that empowering women brings collective benefits; economies, communities, and workplaces all grow when women thrive.

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