Seafarers’ Day 2024 will see the participation of notable figures including Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity.
Mr. Edward Osagie, Assistant Director of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), announced that both officials will be at the forefront of the event on Tuesday.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, and Katie Higginbottom, Head of the International Monetary Fund’s Seafarer’s Trust Fund, will also be active participants in the celebration.
“Seafarers are the unsung heroes of our global economy. I would even describe them as the lifeblood of international trade,” Mobereola stated. “They sacrifice a lot for humanity’s existence, leaving their families for months on end. Let us celebrate their resilience, dedication, and the invaluable role they play in our world.”
He emphasized the importance of using the hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea on social media to honor the occasion.
Mobereola noted that the 2024 commemoration is another opportunity to highlight the significance of seafarers, who he described as essential workers. “This year’s theme also aligns with the agency’s drive to protect Nigerian seafarers and create more opportunities for those willing to pursue a career in seafaring.”
The International Maritime Organisation has designated June 25 annually as Seafarers’ Day to recognize the contributions seafarers make to international trade and the global economy. The theme for the 2024 edition is “Navigating the Future: Safety First”.
