Olugunwa Takes Over as President of Master Mariners, Promises to Engage Institutions to Address Structural Bottlenecks Hindering Career Progression
President- Captain Olajide Olugunwa(Middle); Senior Vice President, Captain(Dr) Ogochuckwu Ifesemen(2n left); Vice President, Captain Ambrose Ojuyenum( 1st right); Treasurer, Captain Benedict Ofili(2nd right); and Financial Secretary, Captain Olarewaju Begusa(1st left).
By Francis Ugwoke
The Nigerian Association of Master Mariners on Saturday at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos inaugurated a new executive led by Capt Captain Olajide Olugunwa.
Olugunwa who was the former Vice President of the association took over from the former President , Capt Tajudeen Alao
In his acceptance speech during the handover ceremony, Olugunwa while thanking members for the confidence they have in him for the position, said he accepted it as a “responsibility not as a personal honour alone, but as a call to service”.
He identified a number of indigenous shipping development efforts he intends to champion while in office, adding that his first task will be to unite members, strengthen the profession as well as advance the contribution of Master Mariners to Nigeria’s maritime development.
He emphasized that to foster internal cohesion and bridge divides to become a formidable force externally, the association must first strengthen its bonds internally.
He assured that internal cohesion will be the immediate and foundational priority of his administration, explaining that this was because some members perceive a divide within the Association, “a divide that separates rather than unites us”.
Olugunwa promised to engage constructively with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, to “support more efficient training pathways, promote access to critical upskilling opportunities and address structural bottlenecks that hinder career progression”.
According to him, “ I stand before you today with a profound sense of humility, pride and responsibility as I accept the your mandate to serve as President of our noble Association. I am deeply grateful for the confidence you have placed in me.
“I accept this responsibility not as a personal honour alone, but as a call to service: a call to unite our members, strengthen our profession and advance the contribution of Master Mariners to Nigeria’s maritime development.
“1. Fostering Internal Cohesion and Bridging Divides To become a formidable force externally, we must first strengthen our bonds internally. Accordingly, internal cohesion will be the immediate and foundational priority of this administration.
“We recognise that some members perceive a divide within our Association, a divide that separates rather than unites us. We will confront this concern openly and constructively through an internal renewal programme designed to rebuild trust, deepen participation and remove barriers to collaboration.
“We will deliberately harness the full strength of our membership: the institutional wisdom of our veterans, the practical resourcefulness of our mid-career mariners and the technological agility of our younger colleagues.
“Through inclusive, cross-functional committees and purposeful engagement, every Master Mariner will have a voice, every contribution will be valued and our diversity will become a source of collective strength”.
The new President promised to ensure the completion of its permanent secretariat in Lagos, adding that as an association of professionals, the group deserves a home that reflects its history, dignity and aspirations.
The completion and furnishing of the NAMM Permanent Secretariat will therefore be a defining mid-term priority of this administration, he told members.
“The Secretariat will be more than bricks and mortar. It will serve as a centre for technical research, professional engagement, maritime policy makers support base, mentoring and institutional continuity. It will also stand as an enduring symbol of pride for present and future generations of Nigerian Master Mariners.
“We will mobilise the support of our members, partners and stakeholders with transparency and accountability, so that this long-held aspiration can be realised during our tenure”, he said.
On the issue of advancing seafarer welfare, training and career progression. Olagunwa said that association must close the gap between local realities and international maritime standards.
“Too many Nigerian seafarers experience prolonged delays in obtaining the sea time required for certification, securing globally competitive Certificates of Competency (CoCs) and progressing smoothly through their careers.
“This administration will engage constructively with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, to support more efficient training pathways, promote access to critical upskilling opportunities and address structural bottlenecks that hinder career progression.
”We will also strengthen mentoring and professional guidance within NAMM, enabling younger mariners to learn from the experience of accomplished members and prepare confidently for leadership at sea and ashore.
“ Making Lasting Meaningful Impact in the Blue Economy and Safer Waterways Nigeria’s maritime sec or is central to the country’s economic future. As seasoned practitioners and technical experts, NAMM must contribute more deliberately to national policy, industry performance and the safe use of our waterways.
“We will position the Association as a credible technical advisory partner to the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Our interventions will be practical, evidence-based and rooted in the operational experience of our members.
“We will advocate for effective implementation of the Cabotage Act in support of indigenous participation and the professional advancement of Nigerian mariners.
“We will also deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA and other relevant stakeholders, sharing frontline expertise to promote wreck removal, stronger maritime security and safe, predictable navigation across Nigerian waters.
“A Shared Voyage Distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. The task before us is demanding, but the depth of knowledge, experience and goodwill within this Association is greater still. Our success will depend not on one office or one individual, but on our willingness to work together with discipline, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. Let us unite our members.
“ Let us complete our permanent home. Let us raise professional standards, support the next generation and ensure that the voice of the Master Mariner is heard wherever decisions affecting our industry are made. Together, we will steer NAMM towards unity, legacy and global standards”
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