AMSAY Conference Strengthens Confidence in Nigerian Maritime Students at 10th Anniversary

..As Stakeholders Reaffirm Continued Support 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Annual Maritime Students and Youth (AMSAY) Conference, organised by Platform Communications, has once again strengthened the confidence of young and experienced maritime practitioners, who converged at the Conference Hall of the Mission to Seafarers Centre, Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, as the platform marked its 10th Anniversary.

Themed A Decade of AMSAY Conference: Eyes on The Horizon, the event brought together key maritime industry players who shared their wealth of experience across various areas of expertise with participants in attendance.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Gregory Ogbeifun, Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering, commended the organisers for creating a platform that connects young maritime professionals with accomplished industry leaders, describing mentorship as essential to the growth and sustainability of the sector.

The award-winning marine engineer and pioneer of Nigeria’s first privately owned, ship repair yard, encouraged students and young practitioners to remain focused, resilient, and committed to their career aspirations, noting that success in the maritime industry often comes through perseverance in the face of challenges.

He also paid tribute to several individuals who have made significant contributions to the sector, stressing that recognising pioneers and industry leaders is crucial to inspiring younger generations in pursuing excellence and leadership in their respective careers.

Engr. Ogbeifu, a master mariner further expressed concern over the state of maritime manpower development in Nigeria, observing that many graduates of maritime institutions face limited opportunities for practical training and career progression due to the shortage of indigenous vessels.

He described the absence of sufficient Nigerian-owned ships as a major challenge confronting the sector, calling on relevant government agencies and stakeholders to support the revival and growth of indigenous shipping companies, noting that such efforts are critical to creating employment opportunities for aspiring seafarers.

The marine expert asserted that rebuilding Nigeria’s shipping capacity would not only strengthen the nation’s maritime industry but also provide a sustainable platform for young professionals to build successful careers while flying the Nigerian flag across global trade routes.

In his words, “The concern that we old sailors have, is when we look back, where are our successors? There are efforts to ensure continuity of our sector, but the biggest challenge? which I always identify everywhere I go, is having a seafarer without ships.

“And that’s a big challenge in our industry, in our country. And I cry about it every time I have a microphone, because these children, who go to the academic institutions, when they come out, there’s nowhere to go. The effort of NIMASA is highly appreciated, but the percentage that NIMASA can engage, for career development, is very minimal.

“So I’m using this platform to, appeal to various agencies of government present here, who are in a position to invest, encourage the reestablishment of Nigerian shipping companies, to begin to trade globally”.

Also speaking, Hajia Bola Muse, who represented the President of Barge Operators of Nigeria, Olubunmi Olumekun, praised the AMSAY initiative, saying it remain a remarkable platform for empowering maritime students through mentorship and capacity building.

She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting an initiative that promote young development, professional excellent and measurable growth within the sector. “I urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the conference to learn, connect and contribute meaningfully to the future of the industry,” she added.

Similarly, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council urged the maritime students and young professionals to position themselves as future drivers of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

‎Delivering a goodwill message at the event, the Council described the decade-long conference as a remarkable milestone, reaffirming its commitment to youth development through internships, industrial attachments, mentorship opportunities, and stakeholder engagement, particularly for students of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.

‎It noted that the maritime industry is changing rapidly, with technology transforming cargo movement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opening new commercial frontiers across the continent.

To seize these opportunities, the NSC stressed that Nigeria must develop a new generation of professionals who are knowledgeable, innovative, ethical, and prepared to lead, urging students to ask questions, build relationships, and learn from industry practitioners during the conference.

‎The President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Barrister Chiazor Anishere, who was ably represented at the event, congratulated the organisers, describing the conference as a credible platform that has, over the past decade, nurtured young minds, promoted maritime education, and equipped students from various universities with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the maritime industry and related sectors.

‎MAAN expressed confidence that the conference would continue to expand its reach and impact as a beacon of knowledge, empowerment, and professional development for maritime students and young people across Nigeria and beyond.

Earlier in his address, Silvanus Obasi, Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Platform Communications, warmly welcomed guests to the historic event, acknowledging its significance as a landmark occasion in the life of the Conference.

Obasi noted that the gathering was convened not only to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the AMSAY Conference but also to honour the memory of four maritime icons he described as champions of mentorship.

He identified them as Late Engr. Olu Akinsoji, Late Otunba Kunle Folarin, Late Barr. Mrs. Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, and Late Hon. Dr. Chris Asoluka.

“Platform Communications is not only hosting this event in their honour, we are also using today’s occasion to confer posthumous awards on each of them in recognition of their contributions to mentorship and youth advocacy in the Nigerian maritime sector,” he said.

The historic event also featured a speech-making competition on the topic “National Single Window (NSW) as a Catalyst for Growth,” among four shortlisted finalists, with Miss Mariam Olamide Joshua, a 200-level Law student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, emerging as the winner for the 2026 edition.

It further featured the presentation of posthumous awards to four maritime icons, whom the Convener described as champions of mentorship, as well as awards to the best graduating maritime students and special recognition awards to key contributors to the initiative over the years.

The AMSAY Conference concluded on a high note, culminating in a group photo session and a series of motivating words of encouragement extended to all participating maritime students.