Sarumi sends goodwill message to maritime workers on May Day

Chinazor Megbolu

The former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi has said that “The Mission to Seafarers”, the organization he heads, is devoted to the welfare of the Nigerian seafarers and maritime workers respectively.

Sarumi disclosed this in a statement issued to felicitate with workers on the International Labour Day celebration on Friday.

He also noted the message was geared towards appreciating and encouraging them for their selfless service to the nation.

“We salute the courage and nerve of seafarers and maritime workers, who daily sacrifice life and limb to keep global trade afloat.”

Sarumi, who is the Chairman of the Board of the Mission, stated he will always be devoted to the cause of the seafarers and maritime workers respectively.

He maintained that the group recognises the efforts of shipping fleets, maritime agencies as well as fellow seafarer welfare institutions that have been partnering at protecting, promoting and boosting the lot of seafarers in Nigeria.

According to him; “ordinarily, the International Labour Day is set aside to recognise, appreciate and commend the lots of all workers in their diligent pursuit and dignified labour in building nations.

“This year has however been anything but ordinary. Amidst the throes of a ravaging pandemic and its damning recourse on lives- including a projected global recession, Seafarers have remained steadfast in the frontline of the scourge, continually and relentlessly labouring in buoying a global economy.

“This is stark in the face of attendant challenges on their families and their working environment. It is our hope and strong belief that we shall all ride this storm to emerge stronger and even better placed to face the multitude of challenges life throws at us in the future.

“We are certain that the good Lord who has brought us all this far shall continue to abide with us all”.

Sarumi further disclosed that the Committee of the Mission to Seafarers Lagos was newly inaugurated by the Lagos Diocese of the Anglican Communion not long before the lockdown was announced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic spread in Nigeria.