Waterside Centre Berths In Lagos, As Mariners Pay Tributes With Symposium For Late Asoluka

By Roland Ekama 

In a bid to unite stakeholders for the advancement of the maritime ecosystem, a new initiative known as the Waterside Centre has been launched.

Established in 2025, Waterside Centre is led by Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho as Chairman and Dr. Hope Orivri as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

At the inaugural event held at the Mission to Seafarers’ Complex, Apapa, Lagos—attended by master mariners, marine engineers, seafarers, and journalists—Captain Iheanacho emphasized that the initiative aims to bring maritime stakeholders together for collaborative progress.

Iheanacho, a former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Genesis Shipping, on behalf of mariners used the forum to pay tribute to the late veteran  Asoluka, highlighting the importance of honouring his legacy through an annual symposium.

 

“The late Asoluka made significant contributions to the maritime industry, and it is crucial that we remember and celebrate his impact even after his passing,” Iheanacho stated.

He also underscored the paramount importance of vessel and crew safety at sea. “Implementing robust safety protocols onboard is essential to reducing accidents and ensuring the welfare of crew members,” he noted.

Captain Iheanacho further stressed the need for safety committees onboard vessels to promote a culture of safety and maintain adherence to established protocols.

“Crew welfare is equally important. Effective fatigue management, access to healthcare, clear communication, and mental health support must be integral parts of the safety framework. The implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS), regular audits, and continuous improvements driven by crew engagement are critical,” he added.

Highlighting specific practices within the Nigerian maritime industry, he noted, “We enforce stringent safety measures, including pre-arrival security information submissions to NIMASA, continuous vessel vigilance, compliance with international standards, and rigorous security checks to prevent maritime threats.”

“By adhering to these comprehensive protocols, vessel operators and shipping companies can significantly mitigate risks, ensure crew wellbeing, and protect the marine environment,” Iheanacho concluded.

Dr. Hope Oviri, Convener and CEO of Waterside Centre, explained that the initiative was born out of a desire to bring maritime players together as a united community. “Waterside Centre is designed as a social hub focusing on maritime issues and interests, aiming to foster collaboration across various maritime sub sectors.”

Orivri, who is also the publisher of One Page Africa online newspaper, highlighted that the centre will serve as a platform for mentorship to youths aspiring for careers in maritime and for educating those within Lagos’s port community.

 

“Maritime industry players cannot operate in isolation; we must function as a community. The centre will provide an enabling environment for youths to better understand the marine and blue economy,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of close engagement with the maritime community, especially youths, to nurture the next generation of industry professionals.