The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), Nigeria says it will mark its 20th year anniversary with a 3-day grand celebration in July.
President of the association, Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere, told SHIPS & PORTS DAILY that the activities marking the celebration would kick-off with a visit to a Charity Home on Friday, July 4.
She said that on that same day, there would be a special Jumat prayers at the Central Mosque by the association’s Moslem members while a former director at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Mrs Monica Mbanefo, will deliver lecture at a grand dinner and dance the following day.
She said the 20th anniversary celebration will end on with a thanksgiving service and a grand orchestra at the MUSON Center, Lagos on Sunday 6th.
Speaking on how the association was created, a past president of the association, Dr. Bola Fajemirokun, said that the group of professionals came together with an understanding for the need to form a professional body to give recognition to the needs and concerns of women working in the sector.
“A small group of professionals came up with the idea of establishing a professional association that will give voice and visibility to the needs and concerns of women working in the shipping and international trade sectors in Nigeria.
“We recognized right from the outset that capacity development of members will have to be prioritized and for this reason, WISTA Nigeria has strongly promoted knowledge acquisition and information dissemination through its public lectures, workshops and publications,” she said.
Anishere urged members to remain dedicated to the association and its activities as its networking opportunities remain beneficial to them. She disclosed that the association’s vibrant membership is drawn from both the private and public sectors, adding that aside its secretariat which is in Lagos, other local chapters operate in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Aba and Warri.
The president said that they regularly held workshops and lectures and have continued to be involved in policy advocacy that concerns shipping and international trade.
“Our activities include regular knowledge events such as workshops and lectures. In addition, members are involved in policy advocacy and regularly analyze and make submissions to government on policy and legislative proposals that have a bearing on shipping and international trade,” she said.
Anishere noted that the association has been able to appreciate women for their excellence in maritime training institutions in Nigeria and been able to improve the livelihood of women who work in the informal sector through donations.
She said that membership will guarantee local and international business opportunities amid other social benefits through interactions.
“Basically, WISTA must constantly strive to add value to the membership experience by enhancing the professional or business growth of its members.
“Access follows from having a credible association with a track record of success and impact. WISTA has become an effective platform to engage with business leaders, policy and decision makers and to be generally relevant in the public domain,” Anishere said.
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