Business
Expert Urges Security Of Nation’s Coastal Line
A Maritime expert, Retired Rear Admiral Godswill Ombo, says the security of the nation’s coastal line was paramount in protecting the economy.
Ombo spoke as the lead resource person at the 2017 International Seafarers Day, marked in Lagos recently.
The theme is: “Seafarers Matter’’.
According to World Maritime University, International Day of the Seafarers was designated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in 2010 as a way to recognize the contribution made by the world’s seafarers.
“Almost everything that we use and need in our daily lives is directly or indirectly affected by sea transport.
“Every June 25, we take a moment to express our thanks to the World’s 1,2 million seafarers for their contributions to the world economy and our economic and social well-being.
“Seafarers are essential to our daily lives, transporting more than 80 per cent of global trade by ships to people and communities all over the world.’’
Ombo said, “The onus is on maritime security agencies to ensure that shippers (importers and exporters)’s wares and personnel on board vessels are protected.
“It will not be out of place if the security agencies team up to form a common front that will secure the waters.
“We need to get our priorities right in terms of cadets on board training; the training of our cadets outside the country poses integrity and national interest question on us.
“We keep complaining of lack of vessels to train the cadets on sea experience while there is a vessel abandoned at the Lagos Marina named `MV Hotten’, which can be used for training,’’ Ombo said.
He urged the seafarers to adhere strictly to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Seafarers’ Code as their watchword.
According to him, such will guarantee them some security on board.
He called on the relevant agencies to do the needful and secure the vessel at the Lagos Marina for cadets sea experience training and save the nation the capital flight on foreign training.
In his remarks, the Director, Merchant Shipping Academy, Capt. Adams Alex, said that, Nigerian seafarers were being maltreated on board, while their foreign counterparts were enjoying international packages.
Alex said that although, there was global recession, Nigerian seafarers were the worst-hit with many out of job, while those that have jobs were being under-paid.
“Contractual agreements with the companies employing seafarers ought to be reviewed to be in tandem with the IMO’s recognition,’’ the seafarer said.
He said that, the situation where seafarers were left at the mercy of the employers should no longer be condoned in order to make the job attractive to the cadets.
Capt. Alfred Oniye, the Vice-Chairman, Zonal Shipping Council, urged the seafarers to conduct themselves well both on board and onshore.
Business
Kenyan Runners Dominate Berlin Marathons
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
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