Sanwo-Olu, Akeredolu Partner MTS Lagos On Changing Seafarers Happiness Index

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his counterpart, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu have reiterated support for the Mission to Seafarers (MTS) Lagos on how to change the happiness index of Nigerian seafarers.

The two governors reiterated the importance of seafarers to global trade as well as economic growth and development.

This was made known at the MTS Lagos 2021 Symposium with the theme: “Maritime Industry and Development of Nigeria – Connecting with our Heritage.”

Represented by Dr Fredrick Oladeinde, the Commissioner of Transportation, Sanwo-Olu noted that the relationship was necessary because seafaring profession could serve as solution to the biting unemployment of youths in the state and Nigeria at large

He admitted that the potentials in the maritime sector has been neglected for a long time, but that with the new partnership with MTS Lagos, his administration is paying premium to seafaring profession.

“Our administration will continue to synergise and cooperate with all stakeholders and investors in the maritime sector to grow and develop infrastructure and services.

“This will enhance opportunities for regional integration and national development.

“It is for wealth generation and job creation that will benefit our people and all investors in the maritime sector value chain,” he said.

The governor said that maritime sector had always been a critical factor in the socioeconomic, physical and infrastructure growth and development of the global economy.

“It is on record that the earliest recorded commercial transactions across nations were carried out through maritme trade.

“The aquatic potential available in Lagos exposes the state to intercontinental trade very many years ago and this has contributed in making it the cosmopolitan city that attracts people and trade from across the world,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of developing a virile maritime sector that would boost socioeconomic growth and development for the benefit of people and regional integration of countries that were landlocked.

He said that the maritime industry was a veritable wealth generation and job creation platform which had continued to benefit many people including seafarers, merchant vessel operators and ship chandilers.

“Our administration places premium on the opportunities available to the state due to its littoral status.

“We have developed strategies, programmes and initiatives to ensure provision of adequate infrastructure and services to enhance maritime trade and transport in Lagos,” he said.

Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, said that there was a need to collectively mitigate the devastating experience seafarers were exposed to.

Akeredolu, who was represented by the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Mrs Oladuni Odu, said it was the time to go back to the drawing board and rigorously tap into the abundant resources in the seas.

According to him, 80 per cent of the world’s food, fuel, raw material and manufactured goods are delivered by sea and the services of skilled seafarers are critical to this business.

“We must, therefore, thank them for running the global economy, risking their lives for our satisfaction, daring various hazards and displeasures that come their way while carrying out their mandate.

“Also, in Ondo State, we have been able to identify the maritime industry as a strategic driver for the development of our economy, and therefore, leaving no stone unturned to ensure the Deep Sea Port in the state is established,” he said.

He said that Ondo State, as a government would take a leading role in maritime business, and give the needed support to the MTS and other stakeholders.

In his welcome address, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, Chairman, MTS, noted that the major reason for having stakeholders gathered was to get their contributions to the welfare of seafarers.

“All countries depend on internatinal trade and seafarers are the ones that sustain this trade, making goods and services get to people and so the need to appreciate their efforts by coming to their aid,” Sarumi said.

The Mission to Seafarers is an international, non-governmental and non-profit making charity organisation with the primary assignment of going on board, visiting seafarers in ports and carter for their well being.

Also speaking at the symposium, Secretary of Mission to Seafarers (MTS) worldwide, Mr Andrew Rights, noted that the Evergiven incident in the Suez Canal is an indication of what could happen to world trade if seafarers were to down tools.

He lamented that some countries are yet to recognise seafarers as essential workers, adding that airline officials are often honoured and celebrated, while the seafarers, who are far important and relevant, are often neglected.