In continuation of our special series on the just concluded 2025 Annual Maritime Students and Youths Conference (AMSAY), in this part 2 of our report, Platform Reporters chronicles more of the pungent statements made at the occasion which we consider as Words on the Mable. Enjoy the excerpts:
“Since the AMSAY Conference debutted in 2016, it has given Nigerian maritime students and young maritime professionals a reason to imagine, to dream, to aspire and to hope for a better future, and this accounts for the impressive turn out of participants each year, a confirmation that the AMSAY Conference brand has indeed been very impactful as evident in the Students’ Testimonials – Mr Sylvanus Obasi, MD/CEO, Platforms Communications.
” I use this opportunity to congratulate the convener, Platforms Communications for organising this programme for the past nine Years. This event has given opportunities for maritime students to discover their careers over the years, and to get the right directions on what they should be doing in their chosen career.” – Dr Emeka Akabogu, Chairman of Occasion at the 2025 AMSAY Conference.
“To the students: you are not just the future—you are the present. You must not wait for change to happen; you must prepare for it, adapt to it, and be the ones driving it.” – Mr Bolaji Sunmola, President, Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO).
“Do not be shy to approach the people you have admired from afar, this is an opportunity to actually talk to those people, don’t be shy, don’t feel that you can’t talk to anybody, because you can. You have a mouth, you have a head, you have ambition, you have prospects and this is where it can really happen”. – Mrs Funke Agbor-SAN, Mother of the Day at the 2025 AMSAY Conference.
“The B’Odogwu which was launched on 23 October 2024 at the PTML port has brought about efficiency, transparency and enforcement. It has reduced clearance timeline from 21 days to seven or 10 days for compliant importers and ensuring fast track for agro-exports. At the PTML Port, cars on RoRo can be cleared within one hour, while containerised cargos can be cleared within six hours. This is a great improvement from what we used to have under the NCIS.” – AC Abass Oladepo, representative of CGC.
“I will advise you also to reduce your time in frivolities and focus more on things that will add to the industry that you are in and build you up and also enhance your marketability. Therefore, the future is there, the future is the youth and the maritime industry is also the youth. Therefore, you have opportunities, key into it and excel in it” – Mrs Eunice Ezeoke, Former President, WISTA Nigeria.
“In international trade, delays can result in significant financial losses. One of the most notable benefits of a National Single Window is its ability to speed up processes and clearance time for goods.
“Implementing a National Single Window translates to significant cost savings for businesses, both directly and indirectly. Examples are administrative, logistics, and reduced errors. These cost savings add up over time, enhancing profitability and enabling businesses to allocate resources more efficiently”. – Alhaji Yahaya Saidu, represenative of CRFFN Registrar.
“Maritime operation refers to the activities, processes, and systems involved in manning and conducting tasks at sea. It also encompasses any activity or processes occurring in or relating to the maritime environment, particularly the use of vessels in performing such activities. I therefore urge you maritime students of the present days to focus on your future. You need to also embrace digitalisation and AI and other regular training needed to excel in your profession” – Engr Emmanuel Emesiri, Assistant Director, Phoenix Register of Shipping and Lead Speaker at 2025 AMSAY Conference.
“There is no going back on digitalisation or automaton , AI and others platforms that would facilitate trade and enhance business operations in the maritime sector. Hence, I would like to call on the proprietors and runners of maritime academies and institutions to upgrade their academic curriculums so as to meet international requirements.” – Mrs Vivian Azubuike, DG Nigerian Chamber of Shipping.
