As the world marks Day of the Seafarers today, former President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Engr. Matthew Alalade has called for an inclusive celebration of the seafarers.
Alalade who made this call in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos said that the call became necessary as government had been celebrating only cadets in the past leaving the ratings, deck and engine officers as seafarers.
He stated that “What they (government) usually promote is only cadets. Cadets are just like apprentice. Let us remember the past seafarers in order to encourage those coming behind.”
The former Merchant Navy boss reiterated that the welfare of the seafarers was paramount in relation to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and services rendered during Covid-19 and maintaining the maritime transportation globally.
He also called for acquisition of vessels for commercial and training purposes through the Public Private Participation (PPP) model for efficiency.
He however felicitated with the seafarers on the celebration of this year’s Day of the Seafarers appreciating their courage, resilience and bravely in this global Covid-19 pandemic.
“We salute you all”, he said.
Photo: Former President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Engr. Matthew Alalade.
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