VALEDICTORY: Merchant Navy Union Extols Captain Nike Akinjole For Service To Humanity

The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) on Monday, showed encomiums in appreciation to Captain Nike Akinjole contributions to the union and seafaring profession.

Nike a foremost member of the association is set to seek greener pastures oversea.

Captain Nike who is the Treasurer, Shipping Zonal Council of the NMNOWTSSA is expected to relocate to Canada after a decade   working experience aboard local and international vessels.

Members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria affiliate group at the brief ceremony in Lagos ,took turn to eulogize the female mariner , ever as they appreciated her contributions to the seafaring profession and the association respectively.

In his farewell message, at the ceremony, President of the union, Comrade Bob Yousou tasked her not to relent to fly the flag of the profession oversea, noting that the seafaring and shipping business is a global profession.

Yousou who was represented by the Secretary General, NMNOWTSSA Comrade John Aleakhue Okpono called on the female mariner to seek greener pastures in the seafaring profession adding that her wealth of experience speaks volume and must not be allowed to go down the drain.

While urging her to network and socialise with new friends and associates abroad, Yousou said Canada is a maritime state and Captain Nike should endeavour to tap into the industry and make a name for herself on behalf of the union.

Vice National President, Shipping Zonal Council, NMNOWTSSA 1 of the union, Comrade Wale George expressed joy and happiness for the development adding that members of  NMNOWTSSA will miss her greatly.

Engr. Wale also prayed that the journey oversea will mark the beginning of greatness in the life of the female sailor .

Emotionally, others who spoke at the occasion expressed optimism that the female seafarer will carve a niche for herself considering her wealth of experience in the profession.

Responding , Nike thanked members of the union for the prayers and goodwill messages noting that the NMNOWTSSA has impacted positively in her chosen career.

She affirmed that plans are already ongoing for her to join International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) in Canada chapter noting that the seafaring profession will continue to live in her.

“I have no other profession than this one. So , I travelling oversea will not be the end of the seafaring profession because I love the job with passion.

“I  will miss everyone of you and I am promising that I will not fail to fly the flag of the profession and the union”,she added.