At 2nd WILAT day conference, women push for recognition, partnership as they are urged to attend more of professional courses to enhance their capabilities
Theme of the second Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) conference 2014 is “Women and sustainable development in the Logistics and Transport Sector” which came up on Thursday, 26th June 2014 at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
It was an opportunity and, a platform to further articulate Women’s desire to be fully involved in the decision making process in governance, especially in the Transport and Logistics Sector of Nigeria’s economy.
Women of substance from across the globe were on hand to speak to the minds of women, and some men, to buckle up in the arduous task of fully participating in the professional turf of logistics and transport industry.
In a paper presented by a former Director General of NIMASA, and Secretary General of Memorandum of understanding on Port State control for West and Central African Republic (aka Abuja MOU)- Barr. Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro, She lamented that: “Generally Women significantly outnumber men as university graduates. This is however not the case in the Transport and logistics field of study where men outnumber women at every educational level.” Barr. Mfon Usoro went further to advice that: “Women will need to increase their participation in training and education, to meet the increased demand for skills and knowledge in the work place”, warning that if women do not participate in obtaining qualifications, they will become further disadvantaged in their ability to commence and develop careers in the transport and logistics industry.” “Women have to drive the desired change”, she says, further warning that “we cannot expect men to do it for us.”
On a practical way forward, the Secretary General of Abuja MOU- Mrs (Barr) Mfon Usoro advised WILAT and similar organizations to source for relevant training/courses, bring it to the attention of the management or their superiors, and tenaciously pursue it to conclusion. She informed that women must seek to make inputs into an upcoming meeting to work on the National Transportation policy, slated for a weekend in Abuja.
The founder of WILAT Nigeria- Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim was praised on end, for her abilities in getting things done. She was commended for ceaselessly spreading the gospel according to WILAT. Hajia Aisha is the traffic Manager at Tin Can Island Port, Apapa. Two-time Minister of Transport, and then Aviation and PDP Women leader- Ambassador Dr. Mrs Kema Chikwe admonished the Women to be steadfast in whatever endeavour they are involved in. And in that way, positive results and recognition will be realized. Despite the traffic gridlock all over Apapa, coupled with the early morning rains, the event had a full house of quality female and male attendants.
A Dinner and Awards gala night was held to unwind and honour some personalities who have contributed in no small measure to man/womankind.
They are Senator Grace Folashade Bent, Barr. Mrs. Margaret Nkem Onyema- Orakwusi, Mrs. Edith Ofili-Okonkwo, Barr. (Mrs.) Jean Chiazor-Anishere, Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, among others.
The occasion witnessed the conferment of Chartered fellowship of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT) on Dr. Amb. Mrs. Kema Chikwe.
A citation on Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Chan- the first female President of CILT International, was read, as she was supported by the President of CILT- Nigeria, Major General Umar .T. Usman (Rtd) and other members of CILT- Nigeria.
Board of Trustees of WILAT is headed by Princess Vicky Haastrup. Other members are Gen, Tilewa Amusu, Lizzie Ovbude, Mrs Samuel, Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, Barr Mfon Usoro, Mrs Daphney Shall-Holma, Aina Egharevba, Senator Grace Shade Bent, and Hajia Salamatu Umar-Eluma.
WILAT also appreciated her very supportive friends like; Engr David Omonibeke, Oduntan Olumide, Alhaji Yaya Gana Bukar, Dr Frank Nneji, Alhaji Aliyu Ndabawa, Alhaji Sufyanu Abdulmalik, Christopher Ogun, and our own dear President of MARAN-Bolaji Akinola.
Photos
Aisha Ali Ibrahim, Global Convenor for WiLAT presents
Members of WiLAT Nigeria
From left , Dr Kema Chikwe, the former minister for Transport and also for Aviation (first female minister for the two ministries), Dr Dorothy Chan ,the International president of CILT, Major General U T Usman (rtd)the National president of CILT Nigeria and Major General Tilewa Amosu, a Trustee of WiLAT Nigeria
Keynote speaker, Barrister Mfon Usuro
On the right is Magaret Bango (chairperson WiLAT South Africa) and Lucy Adeke(chairperson WiLAT Uganda)
Members of WiLAT Nigeria
Senator folashade Bent, a Trustee of WiLAT Nigeria and Aisha