Female master mariner seeks enhanced involvement of women in seafaring

Edidiong spoke with our correspondent in Lagos, Tuesday during the World Seafarers Day celebration.

Recall that 25th of June every year has been set aside for seafarers day celebration by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Edidiong, who is the first female to gain admission into the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron said it required persistence and focus to excel in the profession dominated by men.

“Women in the sector and anyone who wants to succeed must be disciplined”

She also urged the government to help the seafarers especially in the area of getting ships for training even as she called on women to take incursion into the industry she described as being crowded by men.

According to her, the Maritime industry is an interesting and lucrative one but averted that the gap between the men and women is too wide.

“I am the first female master mariner produced by Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. I want to use the medium to encourage upcoming ladies who are interested in maritime to just come and let’s sail.

“I am calling on young ladies to come into the Maritime industry because it is an interesting industry.

“The gap is too wide as the men are overcrowding the industry and it looks as if we don’t have ladies. The ladies should be discouraged.

“The sea is boisterous but I can assure you that if I can do it, any other person can do it.

“I am also pleading with older seafarers to encourage the younger ones especially the female” she said.