The President General of ASIMPIN, His Royal Majesty, Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe KSM, JP, Chairman Board of Trustees, and new Chapter Chairmen in Lagos State
Following successful Chapter elections, the Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN), has inaugurated their new Chapter Executives in Lagos and urged them to lead with passion for the growth of the industry.
The inauguration ceremony held at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, on the 11th of June, 2025, was graced by revered Igbo personalities from the port industry.
The President General of ASIMPIN, His Royal Majesty, Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe KSM, JP., led members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), the national executive and other national officers to the event.
In his inauguration speech, the Chairman, ASIMPIN Board of Trustees, Chief Peter Obih (Dim Ogbuagu), on behalf of all Board members, congratulated the new executives, and urged them to always remember the vast scope of ASIMPIN, which covers Ndigbo in the business of maritime services, upstream and downstream sectors, and other related sectors including trade, transport and aviation. He stressed the need for them to uphold the Constitution, abide by the regulations, statutes, rules, and laws enshrined in ASIMPIN Constitution as reviewed in 2021.
The BoT Chairman went further to remind the new Chapter Executives of the need to always keep in view, the aims and objectives of the association, which include promoting oneness, professional ethics, capacity building, and synergy among members. He implored them to explore ways to build capacity and nurture members to rise as strong voices in the industry, and always be willing to defend and stand for their members where the needs arise.
However, Chief Peter Obih advised the new executives to lead by example and always demonstrate leadership, integrity and commitment to the association’s goals and objectives. And never forget that trust and integrity remain the bedrock of leadership.
Speaking at the event, the President of Ndigboamaka Progressives Markets Association, Chief Chinedu Ukatu, stressed the need for unity. In his words, ” the strength of every union lies in unity and solidarity, l urge you to stand together in our quest for fair labour practices, improved working conditions, and a safer and more prosperous future for all ASIMPIN members and Maritime workers in general.” He reminded them that their administration was expected to play a pivotal role in shaping not only the association’s future but also facilitate ease of doing business, and encouraged them to lead with vision, integrity, and deep understanding of members’ needs and concerns .
He went further to assure his association’s readiness to leverage genuine collaboration with the freight forwarders, importers and exporters to build a stronger, and more resilient maritime union.
Ukatu congratulated the new executives and pledged the support and partnership of Ndigboamaka Progressives markets Association to ensure that ASIMPIN continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the lives of members.
Presenting his keynote speech, the Secretary, ASIMPIN Board of Trustees, Chief Dr. Eugene Nweke KSM, Rff., urged the new executives to be proactive and innovative in their approach to addressing the challenges facing the industry, stating that, ” this may involve collaborating with other stakeholders, advocating for policy charges, and developing solutions that benefit our members and the industry as a whole.”
“As you navigate the complexities of the maritime industry, l encourage you to remain trustworthy to the values of ASIMPIN, which include promoting ethnic consciousness, advancing professional ethics, and fostering a sense of community and solidarity among members.” Nweke stated.
Meanwhile, the new executives from Apapa, Tincan, PTML, KLT, Seme and Ikorodu took their oath of office before the President General, HRM, Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe KSM, JP., members of Board of Trustees, and Igbo maritime practitioners from the aforementioned Chapters.
