By Vera Osokpo
The Maritme Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, felicitates Maritimers globally on the event of the (IMO) International Maritme Day, which is celebrated annually on September 25.
This year’s celebration has the Theme: “Our Ocean, Our obligation, Our Opportunity”.
This theme, however, emphasizes the crucial roles of the ocean, the global economy and climate, the possibility of the universal maritme community to protect it; and the potential sustainable practices to benefit mankind.
This year’s IMD has all it takes, given from the theme, which emphasizes on the ocean as a global natural creature offering jobs, trade, food, biodiversity and climate regulation for humanity.
Having recognized this potential, the leadership of the Union had taken to a different dimension this time to celebrating with Nigerian Maritimers, and all the Stakeholders in the industry; hence, the PG of the Union, Comrade Bunu has taken a tour of some of the litoral states in the country before arriving at the oil-rich state of Rivers, Port Harcourt, to crown the IMD event; and to felicitate Nigerian Maritimers and foreigners alike to celebrate the event.
The pragmatic labour leader and Maritme Expert with his executives were in the Nigerian Ports Authority, Warri, Delta State; they also touched Julius Berger Plc, Warri, where the PG addressed the management, Dockworkers and Seafarers in the employ of Julius Berger, Warri before his arrival at Port Harcourt for the International Maritme Day, September 25.
The Veteran Sailor admonished Maritimers to be cautious of safety and security rules, the ISPS code, which is the global standard for maritime operations globally.
The Ijaw born trained administrator of the Union said that the issue of pollution is not properly adhered to while on sea would destroy our sea food, and would make both local and international sea trade less attractive in all ramifications. And it would be detrimental to the Blue Economy institution the country is building; therefore as Maritmers, we are always sailing on ocean going vessels, therefore, we must be able to protect our nature for the benefit of mankind.
The MWUN PG also advised on the climate change regulations, which has been a regular global topic by various governments of the world on the need for a proper enforcement of adopted regulations the protection of our global environment from hazardous emissions into the world space.
He also noted locally here in Nigeria, saying all the terminals and quay aprons must always be cleaned at all times to avoid waste products, such as, sharp objects, bottle waters, and exhausted soft drink bottles and the likes slipping into the sea as these are also agents of pollution on our waters with health implications on Sailors on board and Port Operators ashore as well.
Comrade Bunu further says that, we Maritmers are the only ones who can protect our ocean, which is our heritage, our pride and our joy, and that irrespective of colour, tribe, descent and nationality, the ocean is ours globally, therefore, we must protect our own always.
In view of all that the ocean benefits mankind, we must protect it by abiding by all the set international rules, obligation and standards to make sure it thrives for the benefits of humanity.
He also used the IMD occasion to appreciate the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Executive Director of Shippers Council (NSC), Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); The Chairman, Boat Operators’ Association of Nigera (BOAN), Ship Owners Association of Nigeria), The Executive Director, Nigeria Management and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and all other stakeholders in the maritme sector for their immense support for the Maritme Workers Union always.
The foremost Maritime Labour leader thanked all the dignitaries, top government functionary, private individuals and members of the Armed Forces, Diplomatic Corps, Captains of Maritme Industries, who took their time to grace the very auspicious occasion.