Ani re-elected as WISTA president, targets global maritime influence
The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria has re-elected its President, Dr. Odunayo Ani, reinforcing leadership continuity as the association intensifies its strategic push to shape policy, partnerships, and
The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria has re-elected its President, Dr. Odunayo Ani, reinforcing leadership continuity as the association intensifies its strategic push to shape policy, partnerships, and gender inclusion across the country’s maritime sector.
At its 2026 Annual General Meeting held on April 30 in Lagos, members renewed Ani’s mandate alongside a newly constituted executive committee.
The move, according to a statement by WISTA press, signals strong industry backing for a leadership widely credited with strengthening institutional governance, expanding global linkages, and elevating Nigeria’s voice within international maritime circles.
The AGM, which convened stakeholders across shipping and logistics, also underscored WISTA Nigeria’s growing role as a governance-driven industry platform.
Members, the statement said, reviewed and adopted the association’s financial reports, reaffirming a commitment to transparency, accountability, and disciplined financial stewardship—key pillars considered crucial to sustaining credibility within the country’s evolving blue economy framework.
In her address, Ani presented a scorecard of her first tenure, anchored on international collaboration and grassroots advocacy.
She cited strengthened engagement with WISTA International, increased participation of Nigerian professionals in global committees, and sustained outreach supporting women in coastal communities. She also referenced the successful commemoration of the association’s 30th anniversary as a milestone in consolidating its institutional legacy.
The statement, underlined that the reconstituted executive team reflects a deliberate spread of expertise across regulatory, operational, and private sector segments of the maritime value chain. It includes Captain Edidiong Akpanebe-Sola Obalo as Vice President; Lillian Nneji as General Secretary; Hannah Adaba as Treasurer; Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike as Public Relations Officer; Toyin Oyeleke as Assistant General Secretary; and Aisha Cole as Assistant Treasurer.
Setting a clear commercial and policy-facing agenda for the new term, Ani announced plans to host the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference scheduled for June 25–26, 2026, at Eko Hotel & Suites.
The event is expected to attract key maritime stakeholders from across the continent, providing a platform to address regulatory trends, innovation, and the evolving role of women in Africa’s shipping and logistics ecosystem.
“We are deeply honoured by the trust reposed in us. Our priority remains to elevate the role of women in the maritime industry while strengthening WISTA Nigeria as a platform for professional excellence, collaboration, and impact,” Ani stated.
With its renewed leadership and forward-looking agenda, WISTA Nigeria, the statement noted, is positioning itself not just as an advocacy group but as a strategic industry influencer, leveraging governance, partnerships, and continental engagement to shape the future of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy landscape.
