By Sylvanus OBASI, Lagos
The President, Alumni Association of Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Captain William Ogunsakin has disclosed that the association under his leadership in the past one year has been striving to Establish a strong network of maritime professionals; Provide mentorship and career guidance to its members and their students as well as advocate for maritime education and policy reforms.
Ogunsakin stated this while addressing stakeholders and participants during his welcome speech at the recent Conference organised by the FCFMT Alumni association in Lagos last weekend.
PLATFORM REPORTERS got you covered with the full text of Capt Ogunsakin’s speech at the event as delivered and published below:
PRESIDENT SPEECH AT THE 1ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FISHERIES AND MARINE TECHNOLOGY ON 6TH OF JULY, 2024
“Unlocking the Potential of Blue Economy: FCFMT Alumni Contributions to Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Technology Development in Nigeria”
My esteemed alumni, fellow maritime professionals and dear maritime students and Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen.
My Name is Capt Ogunsakin Rotimi William, A professional Seafarer with over 30 Year of Seagoing Practice still Active in service.
It is my honor to stand before you today as the President of the Alumni Association of Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, at our 1st Annual Conference.
Today, we gather under the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Blue Economy: FCFMT Alumni Contributions to Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Technology Development in Nigeria.”
As we explore this theme, we recognize the critical role that the blue economy plays in Nigeria’s economic growth, food security, and environmental sustainability. We also acknowledge the significant contributions that our alma mater, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, has made to the development of the maritime sector in Nigeria.
As alumni, we have a unique responsibility to leverage our expertise, experience, and networks to sensitized first the Student, and then the general public for the purpose of integration and collaboration with stakeholders in the industry and relevant regulatory body in order to be relevant in the mission of unlocking the potential of the blue economy. We must work together to promote sustainable fisheries and marine technology development, and to ensure that the benefits of the blue economy are equitably shared among all stakeholders.
Over the past year, our alumni association has been working tirelessly to:
– Establish a strong network of maritime professionals
– Provide mentorship and career guidance to our members and students
– Advocate for maritime education and policy reforms
Today, we gather to share our experiences, expertise, and insights. We will discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the blue economy. We will learn from each other, and we will inspire one another to excel.
I want to appreciate our keynote speakers, panelists, and facilitators for their contributions to this conference. Your expertise and knowledge are invaluable to us.
To my fellow alumni, I urge you to continue supporting one another, to continue learning and growing, and to continue making a positive impact in our industry and our communities.
Let us work together to unlock the potential of the blue economy, and to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves, our children, and our nation.
Thank you, and let us make this conference a memorable one!