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Bello-Koko lauds emergence of first female ASD tugboat captain in West Africa

Bello said that the NPA, as an equal opportunity organization, was always delighted to be associated with exceptional feats especially when accomplished by female professionals.
“in our relentless drive to improve operational efficiency, we recently invested heavily on the acquisition of world-class tugs to boost towage and mooring operations at the Port, so the news of increasing availability of local talents and expertise to seamlessly maneuver sophisticated high-performance vessels such as the ASD is heart gladdening for us”, he said.
The Acting MD commended the Management of LTT Coastal & Marine Services Limited for the foresight that birthed such an unprecedented achievement.
“If we must optimize the ever-growing potentials and dynamism of the global Port system, we must create an atmosphere conducive for increased participation of women in port operations”, he remarked.
He described the emergence of the first female Tug boat Captain in West Africa from Nigeria as an uncommon feat that should challenge our young ladies to aspire to achieve greater heights, not because of their gender but because of their capacity.
The Authority, according to the NPA boss, places a high premium on gender, in her overall talent development agenda.
“There are also six Port Managers in charge of Port locations across the country and two of them are women. A number of our strategic departments such as Legal, Training, Superannuation, Administration and Environment amongst others, are led by women”
“All these actions are very much in sync with the Federal Governments’ resolve to encourage women’s participation in all spheres of the economy and the Authority’s willingness to lead by example in mobilizing all stakeholders to deepen the participation and promote women excellence across the entire maritime value chain”, Bello-Koko said.
LTT Coastal & Marine Services is a fleet management company contracted to manage vessels owned by the Nigerian Ports Authority such as tugs, pilot cutters, mooring launches and speed boats, among others.
Capt. Ebinipre Canus Robinson, West Africa’s first female ASD Tug Boat Captain is from Bayelsa State in Nigeria. She is a product of the National Seafarers Development Programme, promoted by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
She joined LTT as a Deck Cadet for her seamanship practical training/experience from 8th August 2017 to 27th December 2019.
In 2020, she went to the Philippines for her Certificate of Competency Examination – 2nd March 2020 and returned to the country after successfully passing her COC examination – 27th December 2020.
LTT absorbed her to undergo sea practical training as an officer after obtaining Officer-in-charge-of-a Navigational watch (II/I) Unlimited Certificate. She was certified competent in ASD tug handling on 24th May 2021.
An impressive contingent of maritime female professionals attended the historic event.
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Edward Osagie, NIMASA spokesman, shines at 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards in Abuja

–— emerges outstanding spokesperson in Marine and Blue Economy sector
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).
Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.
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