Leading players in Nigeria’s maritime industry, including Starzs Investments Company Limited, SIFAX Group, Elkins Marine Training International and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), were among organisations and distinguished professionals honoured at the prestigious Maritime Youth Empowerment (MAYE) Awards held during the 10th Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference in Lagos.
Organised by Platform Reporters, the MAYE Awards are presented once every five years to recognise organisations and individuals whose outstanding contributions have advanced youth development, mentorship, capacity building and professional growth within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The awards, which have grown into one of the industry’s foremost recognition platforms, celebrate institutions and leaders whose investments in human capital continue to inspire and equip the next generation of maritime professionals.
This year’s honours were presented in two categories – organisations and individuals, to reflect the diverse contributions shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
In the organisational category, SIFAX Group emerged as one of the leading award recipients in recognition of its sustained investments in human capital development, maritime logistics and industry advancement.
Starzs Investments Company Limited also received the award for its contributions to maritime business development and support for youth empowerment initiatives within the sector.
Widescope International Logistics Limited was honoured for its outstanding role in freight forwarding, logistics innovation and its commitment to nurturing emerging maritime professionals.
Also recognised was Akabogu and Associates, whose contributions to maritime law, legal advocacy, policy development and capacity building have strengthened the industry’s institutional framework.
Among government agencies honoured were the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), both recognised for their regulatory interventions, seafarer development programmes, training initiatives and efforts to create opportunities for young Nigerians seeking careers in the maritime industry.
Training and capacity-building institutions also featured prominently, with Elkins Marine Training International receiving recognition for its commitment to maritime education and professional development. Other award recipients in the category include Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited and L.T.T. Coastal and Marine Services Limited.
Professional associations recognised at the event were the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors and the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners for their consistent promotion of professional excellence, technical competence and mentorship within the maritime profession.
The Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) and the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) completed the list of organisational awardees, earning recognition for their contributions to maritime research, policy advocacy and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s shipping industry.
In the individual category, respected maritime industry leader, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, led the list of award recipients in recognition of his immense contributions to indigenous shipping development and his long-standing commitment to mentoring young professionals.
Other distinguished recipients include Mrs. Eunice Ngozi Ezeoke, Capt. Sunday Umoren, Chief Osuala E. Nwagbara, Capt. Segun Enitan Akanbi and Capt. Dr. Fola Ojutalayo, all honoured for their exceptional leadership, professional accomplishments and dedication to developing future maritime leaders.
Also recognised were Mrs. Ify Anazonwu-Akarele, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh and Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Chinwe Mogo for their remarkable contributions to the growth of the maritime sector and their commitment to youth empowerment.
Speaking on the significance of the awards, the organisers said the Maritime Youth Empowerment Awards were instituted not only to celebrate excellence but also to encourage greater participation of young Nigerians in maritime careers through mentorship, capacity development and active industry engagement.
They noted that by recognising exemplary organisations and accomplished professionals, the awards serve as a source of inspiration for students and young practitioners aspiring to build successful careers in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
As recipients mounted the stage to receive their awards, stakeholders described the ceremony as a fitting recognition of individuals and organisations whose enduring contributions continue to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector while nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.