WISTA Nigeria re-elects Ani for greater responsibility, expanded training, stronger partnerships

Women in Shipping and Trading Association, Nigeria (WISTA) has re elected Dr Odunayo Ani as President for greater responsibility.,

expanded training and stronger institutional partnerships, it was learnt.

Her re-election as the President of WISTA, it was learnt, followed the annual general meeting of the association held n Lagos.

Speaking with reporters at the weekend,  Ani described her renewed mandate as a call to greater service.

“I stand before you with gratitude, humility, and renewed determination. To be re elected is not merely an honour, it is a responsibility,” she said.

She gave kudos to the association’s Diamonds, Executive members, and supporters for their confidence in her leadership.

“I appreciate your trust and your belief in our shared vision,” she said.

The newly re-elected President was first

entrusted with  the  leadership position exactly two years ago.

She said their decision to return her strengthened her commitment to the association’s vision and mission.

“Your confidence remains the wind in my sails. I do not take this renewed support lightly,” she said.

Ani credited the administration’s achievements in the last two years  to committed Diamonds, members and dependable executive officers of WISTA

She said members consistently gave their time, ideas, and resources to collective programmes.

According to her, teamwork remained central to the association’s growth and influence. She highlighted policy advocacy as one of the administration’s major accomplishments.

She also cited mentorship programmes for young women cadets across the maritime sector to be focused on.

Ani  noted that the association amplified Nigeria’s voice within the international WISTA community.

 “None of these achievements happened by chance. They happened because members showed up, spoke up, and stayed committed,” she said.

She also noted that the maritime industry was changing rapidly across global markets and that Nigeria must not be left behind.

She said the WISTA mentorship hub would support emerging female professionals.

“Training will prepare more women for global competition,” she said, pledging stronger advocacy for gender inclusiveness in maritime policies.

She said younger women must find opportunities and confidence within the industry.

“To every young lady, there is space for you here,” Ani said.

She called on regulators, stakeholders, and male allies to sustain support.

“Progress in maritime is not only a women’s agenda. It is Nigeria’s agenda, and we must move together,” she said.

Ani said her administration achieved measurable growth during her first tenure and promised more, now that she has been re-elected.

She disclosed that membership increased by 261 between March 2024 and March 2026.

According to her, the growth reflected the association’s expanding relevance.

Ani said WISTA Nigeria participated in major industry consultations and conferences.

She mentioned engagements with the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.

She also cited customs consultative roundtables and advocacy initiatives.

Ani said the association celebrates Seafarers Day annually with Nigerian seafarers.

She said members aligned with global themes promoting safety and welfare of Seafarers.

Ani highlighted youth advocacy and educational outreach under corporate social responsibility programmes.

She said members promoted ocean economy awareness and maritime technology education.

The association also worked with regional women’s maritime organisations.

Ani said WISTA Nigeria strengthened international visibility through global engagements.

She cited participation in conferences in Cyprus, Barcelona, and Cape Town.

According to her, the association also secured representation on international committees.

She reports WISTA Nigeria is preparing to host the WISTA Africa Conference in Lagos. The conference is scheduled for June.

Presiding over the swearing-in of the new executive, who were elected unopposed, WISTA Diamond Rollens Macfoy, popularly known as the Mother of Seafarers, advised the executive, headed by Dr Odunayo Ani, on strategies to make the association formidable , locally, regionally and globally.

The new executive officers that were returned unopposed include Edidiong Akpanebe Sola-Abalo, Vice President; Lilian Mac-Jaja Nneji, General Secretary; Hanna Adaba, Treasurer; Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Public Relations Officer; Oluwatoyin Oyeleke, Assistant Secretary; and Aisha Cole, Assistant Treasurer.

The position of assistant public relations officer,  it was gathered, remains vacant.