As part of preparations for the landmark WIME@5 celebration scheduled for March 2026 to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), the Board of Trustees of Women in Maritime and Energy Awards (WIME), led by its Chairperson, Chizoba Anyika, paid a strategic courtesy visit to LOYZ Marine.

The visit, held under the 2026 IWD theme “Give to Gain,” formed part of activities leading up to WIME’s fifth anniversary, which celebrates women’s resilience, leadership, and impact across the maritime and energy sectors.

The WIME delegation was warmly received by the Chief Executive Officer of LOYZ Marine, Bassey Alorye Addie Oronsaye, in discussions that centred on courage, inclusion, and practical strategies for increasing women’s participation in vessel acquisition and ownership within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Aligned with the Give to Gain philosophy, participants emphasised that when organisations intentionally provide women with access to mentorship, capital pathways, leadership opportunities, and technical knowledge, the industry benefits through innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Oronsaye said resilience and courage were essential for women seeking to thrive in the capital-intensive and historically male-dominated maritime sector.

“The maritime industry is not inaccessible to women,” she said. “With the right knowledge, strategic partnerships, and financial structures, women can penetrate the system, acquire vessels, and build sustainable shipping businesses. We must move from being service providers alone to becoming asset owners.”

She further identified mentorship, collaboration, and access to maritime financing as critical enablers for women aspiring to own and operate vessels within the blue economy.

In her remarks, Dr. Anyika reaffirmed WIME’s commitment to converting the Give to Gain theme into tangible outcomes.

“The maritime sector stands to gain immensely when we intentionally give women the tools, trust, and access to capital required to lead and own,” she said. “Give to Gain is not just a theme; it is a strategy for industry transformation. WIME@5 will spotlight partnerships that move women from participation to ownership, and from visibility to influence.”

The courtesy visit underscores WIME’s strategic focus on empowering women across the maritime and energy value chain—from operations and technical expertise to executive leadership and asset acquisition.

As WIME marks five years of impact, the WIME@5 celebration will highlight resilience, leadership, and transformative action, reinforcing the message that empowering women with opportunity and access strengthens the future of the blue economy and drives inclusive, sustainable growth.