As the world tomorrow celebrates the ‘Day of the Seafarer 2024,’ the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has described Seafarers as the lifeblood of international trade as they sacrifice a lot for humanity existence.
This is just as Nigeria is set to join other nations across the globe in the celebration.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and his counterpart Minister of State, Labour and productivity, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, will be leading other dignitaries including the NIMASA Director General and the Head ITF seafarer’s Trust Fund, Katie Higginbottom, to the commemoration scheduled to take place in Lagos.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mobereola, urged Nigerians to participate in this year’s celebrations adding that the use of #SafetyTipsAtSea on all social media platforms will ensure adequate exposure to Nigeria’s celebration of the Seafarers Day in line with the theme of the IMO.
In his words: “Seafarers are the unsung heroes of our global economy, I will even describe them as the lifeblood of international trade, they sacrifice a lot for humanity’s existence as they leave their families for months for our sake.
“Let us celebrate their resilience, dedication, and the invaluable role they play in our world.
“This day belongs to them, let us use the Hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea for all our social media posts so that Nigerian Seafarers will feel appreciated,” he stated.
The 2024 commemoration is another way of bringing to the fore the importance of seafarers as essential workers and the IMO has set this date specifically for the celebration of these special occupations.
This year’s theme also aligns with the NIMASA’s drive to protect Nigerian seafarers and create more opportunities for those willing to take a career in seafaring.