World Maritime Day: NIWA presents awards to winners of Primary School Children’s Essay Competition

At the celebration of the 2026 World Maritime Day by Nigeria in Lagos last week, the National Island Waterways Authority (NIWA) presented various awards – cash and laptop computers – to the winners of its sponsored Primary School Children’s Essay Competition.

The awards presentation was the highlight of the celebration as the NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, was joined by key stakeholders at the event to present the awards to the winners

The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.

Earlier in his goodwill message at the event, Alhaji Yusuf Girei reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to translating maritime policies into practical results that ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.

Girei  added that NIWA remains committed to working with state governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.

He commended stakeholders on their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The theme of this year’s celebration was “From policy to practice: Powering excellence.”

According to him, “This year’s theme reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He stressed that excellence in the maritime sector is a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.