International Maritime Day: MWUN felicitates with maritimers
By Uzor Odigbo
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has felicitated with maritimers globally on the event of the International Maritime Day, celebrated annually on September 25.
This year’s celebration has the Theme: “Our Ocean, Our obligation, Our Opportunity.”
The theme emphasizes the crucial roles of the ocean, the global economy and climate, the possibility of the universal maritime community to protect it; and the potential sustainable practices to benefit mankind.
The MWUN in a statement says this year’s IMD has all it takes, drawing from the theme, which emphasizes the ocean as a global natural creature offering jobs, trade, food, biodiversity and climate regulation for humanity.
The statement reads: “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 President General (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 Maritime 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 Maritime 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 if 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 Maritimers, 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 and 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 Maritimers 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); Chairman, Boat Operators’ Association of Nigeria (BOAN), Ship Owners Association of Nigeria), Executive Director, Nigeria Management and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and all other stakeholders in the maritime sector for their immense support for the Maritime Workers Union always.
“The foremost Maritime Labour leader thanked all the dignitaries, top government functionaries, private individuals and members of the Armed Forces, Diplomatic Corps, Captains of Maritime Industries, who took their time to grace the very auspicious occasion.”
