Minister Advocate for Maritime Re- engineering, As Paul Adalikwu emerges MOWCA Secretary General
The Hon. Minister of State for Transportation Sen. Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki has advocated for complete re-engineering of the Maritime formalin within the west and central Africa to ensure connectivity within the region.
Saraki disclosed this in a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations Eric Ojiekwe on Thursday stated that Nigeria needs more interconnectivity within the maritime space and that can only happen by strong unions and associations.
“Do you know that one of us had to fly from congo to paris first before you could get a flight to Ghana…we need more interconnectivity within ourselves and that can only happen by strong unions and associations”.
Saraki who led the Nigerian delegate, encouraged countries present to vote and have faith in Nigeria, she also emphasized on the need for a strong leadership with competence and focus.
Dr Paul, In his acceptance speech, appreciated the Hon. Minister of Transportation Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for seeking the approval of the President of the Republic of Nigeria to make him Nigeria’s candidate for the post of Secretary General of a Regional Organization that controls maritime activities in 25 countries of the west and central Africa Sub Region.
He stated “It is on record that this is the very first time in the life of the Organization that Nigeria indicated interest to contest for the exulted position of Secretary-General of the body.
By your enormous support and votes, you have this day placed on me the burden and challenge of properly placing MOWCA on the pedestal of executing the mandate of its founding fathers which is anchored on effective maritime trade and marine environmental protection among members of the sub-region, Africa and the world in general”
“I do acknowledge the role of maritime trade to global economy and I pledge that within my tenure as SG-MOWCA, the region will not just be a maritime trade highway, but will witness a revolutionary turn around in trading activities, marine health and security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) among member States leveraging on the Deep Blue maritime security infrastructure project championed by Nigeria.
“Africa is so highly endowed to have positive impact on trading activities within its maritime domain and I will work very assiduously to see that we take our proper place in the global maritime space”. He added.
He also extended regards warmest Senator Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki as she has doggedly championed the campaign activities in her capacity as the Chairperson of Nigeria’s election Planning Committee.
According to him, Senator Saraki indeed proved herself, the amazon, resolute and resilient, never giving up and never getting tired even when it appeared that the election was taking a nosedive”
“My sincere appreciations to my Permanent Secretary, indefatigable Dr. Magdalene Ajani for meticulously ensuring that things were done rightly and when the needy to take a stand came, she did take a stand, Heads of Maritime Agencies of Nigeria, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maritime Stakeholders and members of the diplomatic corps of member States who all worked to ensure that we have this day.
“Finally, by your votes, you have entered a contract with me and I pledge to keep the terms and work for the revival of MOWCA. I will not fail you.” He concluded.