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NPA is gender- sensitive– Dantsoho declares as he condemns discrimination against women 

Funso OLOJO
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has declared that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as an organization is gender sensitive as the agency has given women much visibility in its organizational.
He stated that the Authority will not relent in supporting the rights and equality for all women and girls, promising to create opportunities for women and girls within and outside the NPA.
Dr Dantsoho, in his speech to mark the celebration of the 2025 international women’s Day (IWD) with theme: “Accelerate Action for Gender equality”, stated that the Authority remains steadfast in participating in the International Women’s Day celebration and also creating systems and structures that promote women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the Authority has been actively recognising and advocating for women’s rights and equality in the Ports Authority, saying the organization does not put any limit on the capacity of women and the possibilities available to them.
His words: “For us in the Nigerian Ports Authority, we do not see IWD as another day to pay lip service to women’s rights and economic empowerment.
“Rather, it is a day to reflect on what we have done and to commit to doing even more.”
He affirmed that the Authority, since its inception, has been very devoted to championing women’s empowerment and gender equality.
He said, “Some of our laudable achievements in this regard include:
• Extension in the period of maternity leave of women to six months.
• Ensuring that getting pregnant out of wedlock does not stop a woman from getting what is due to her.
• Giving nursing mothers the privilege of reporting for duty one hour after the official resumption time and closing an hour earlier than the official closing time every day.
• Ensuring that women are in charge of key responsibilities at the Authority.”
He noted that currently, NPA has a woman serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mrs Vivian C. Richard-Edet, and in recent years, have had at least 12 women General Managers and Port Managers.
According to the MD, in addition to leadership roles, Nigerian women are embedded into the different units and arms of the NPA.
 This is even as women work as pilots, in the fire service, as security officials, medical personnel and engineers within the Ports Authority.
“These are just some examples of the ways the NPA has and is actively recognising and advocating for women’s rights and equality.
” We do not put any limit on the capacity of women and the possibilities available to them,” he stated.
The MD however said that despite the feats the NPA has achieved as an organisation, it is not yet uhuru when women and girls are still being subjected to various forms of discrimination, inequality, injustice and abuse because of their gender.
“As an organisation, we promise to remain unrelenting in supporting the rights and equality for all women and girls and to practically create opportunities for women and girls within and outside the NPA to be empowered to the best of their abilities.
 “I congratulate all women in the NPA for this year’s IWD and assure you that we will continue to work with you towards putting the Authority in the lead when it comes to providing opportunities for girls and women to actualise themselves in the maritime industry.
“Together, we will accelerate action for gender equality,” Dr Dantsoho said.
IWD is a day set aside for recognising and honouring women’s achievements, highlighting the progress made towards achieving gender equality while calling for more efforts towards equitable societies, and advocating for increased laws, policies and actions that will end gender-based violence and all forms of discrimination against women.

Since 1911, when the first IWD was marked in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, March 8 and indeed the whole of March has become widely known as women’s history month with individuals and organisations across sectors and nations partaking in its commemoration.– Dantsoho declares as he bemoans discrimination against women

Funso OLOJO
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has declared that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as an organization is gender sensitive as the agency has given women much visibility in its organizational.
He stated that the Authority will not relent in supporting the rights and equality for all women and girls, promising to create opportunities for women and girls within and outside the NPA.
Dr Dantsoho, in his speech to mark the celebration of the 2025 international women’s Day (IWD) with theme: “Accelerate Action for Gender equality”, stated that the Authority remains steadfast in participating in the International Women’s Day celebration and also creating systems and structures that promote women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the Authority has been actively recognising and advocating for women’s rights and equality in the Ports Authority, saying the organization does not put any limit on the capacity of women and the possibilities available to them.
His words: “For us in the Nigerian Ports Authority, we do not see IWD as another day to pay lip service to women’s rights and economic empowerment.
“Rather, it is a day to reflect on what we have done and to commit to doing even more.”
He affirmed that the Authority, since its inception, has been very devoted to championing women’s empowerment and gender equality.
He said, “Some of our laudable achievements in this regard include:
• Extension in the period of maternity leave of women to six months.
• Ensuring that getting pregnant out of wedlock does not stop a woman from getting what is due to her.
• Giving nursing mothers the privilege of reporting for duty one hour after the official resumption time and closing an hour earlier than the official closing time every day.
• Ensuring that women are in charge of key responsibilities at the Authority.”
He noted that currently, NPA has a woman serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mrs Vivian C. Richard-Edet, and in recent years, have had at least 12 women General Managers and Port Managers.
According to the MD, in addition to leadership roles, Nigerian women are embedded into the different units and arms of the NPA.
 This is even as women work as pilots, in the fire service, as security officials, medical personnel and engineers within the Ports Authority.
“These are just some examples of the ways the NPA has and is actively recognising and advocating for women’s rights and equality.
” We do not put any limit on the capacity of women and the possibilities available to them,” he stated.
The MD however said that despite the feats the NPA has achieved as an organisation, it is not yet uhuru when women and girls are still being subjected to various forms of discrimination, inequality, injustice and abuse because of their gender.
“As an organisation, we promise to remain unrelenting in supporting the rights and equality for all women and girls and to practically create opportunities for women and girls within and outside the NPA to be empowered to the best of their abilities.
 “I congratulate all women in the NPA for this year’s IWD and assure you that we will continue to work with you towards putting the Authority in the lead when it comes to providing opportunities for girls and women to actualise themselves in the maritime industry.
“Together, we will accelerate action for gender equality,” Dr Dantsoho said.
IWD is a day set aside for recognising and honouring women’s achievements, highlighting the progress made towards achieving gender equality while calling for more efforts towards equitable societies, and advocating for increased laws, policies and actions that will end gender-based violence and all forms of discrimination against women.
Since 1911, when the first IWD was marked in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, March 8 and indeed the whole of March has become widely known as women’s history month with individuals and organisations across sectors and nations partaking in its commemoration.
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Maersk’s suspension of shipping operations through Strait of Hormuz raises anxiety among Nigerian importers 

Attack on vessel in the Strait of Hormuz
Funso OLOJO, with agency report
The on- going hostilies in the Middle East have continued to stifle international trade as most of the shipping companies have suspended voyage through the troubled Strait of Hormuz.
The joint attacks by the military forces of the United States of America (USA) and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the assassination of its Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei and over 40 top military officers of the Islamic country,have put a strain on shipping operations along the busy vessel route of Strait of Hormuz as the Houthis militias, who are sympathetic to Iran, have threatened to attack vessels on the route.
Strait of Hormuz accounts for one third of the world shipping passage while the route accommodates the world largest crude tankers , despite its narrow width.
As a result of the threats, which have raised safety concerns on the vessels, cargos and crews, major shipping lines have halted their operations along the route.
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has halted passage of cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons.

“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” the Danish group said in an online advisory.“The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” it said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier announced the Strait’s closure.

Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.
China, one of the biggest destinations of Nigerian importers, make use of the route for import of the crude oil from the Middle East, especially Iran and export of its manufactured goods to the developing countries, especially Nigeria.
This development has raised anxiety among Nigerian importers who expressed concerns over the implications of the disruption on the route one the cost of imports, especially from China.
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NRC hosts Rotary Club on mobile train

Gloria Odion, Reporter 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has played host to the Rotary Club of Ota by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.
The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussion centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.
The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.
A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.
His presence underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.
In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.
The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation said it was committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.
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In Malmo, Sweden, NIMASA renews capacity development partnership with WMU

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has renewed its strategic capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years.

“Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management.

“Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments.

WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration, NIMASA ,Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries.

The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement.

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