TAAM 7.0: Dr. Afolabi emphasises importance of infrastructure for maritime transformation
...says conference intended for intelligence, knowledge creation
Segun Oladipupo
The Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has said that the essence of the Annual Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference is intended to create wealth of knowledge and improved intelligence that will bridge the gap between the industry and the ivory tower; between theory and practice,
He added that it is also intended to facilitate an enriching networking opportunity between the students and key industry players.
He stated this in his 7th edition of TAAM Conference held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall of the University of Lagos on Friday
The theme of the year’s edition is “Blue Economy Innovations: The Sustainable Impact of Infrastructure Development and Modernization in Maritime,”
According to him, the event is meant to expose students to what lies ahead their classroom works as well as for direct connection with those shaping policy and driving change.
“The key objective of this annual conference is to create an intelligent and knowledge-driven platform that will bridge the gap between the industry and the ivory tower; between theory and practice, as well as facilitate an enriching networking opportunity between the students and key industry players.
“We wanted students to see what lies beyond their textbooks, to ask bold questions, and to connect directly with those shaping policy and driving change.
Dr. Afolabi who was represented at the event by Wunmi Eniola Jegede, Group Coordinating Director, Sifax, acknowledging the untapped resources of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, averred that infrastructure is germane to the transformation of the industry
“Nigeria’s blue economy is a sleeping giant. We have untapped potential along our vast coastline that, if harnessed responsibly, can create new jobs, strengthen our ports, attract investments, and safeguard our environment for future generations.
“Infrastructure is at the heart of this transformation. Modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure will drive efficiency and competitiveness in our ports and maritime corridors.”
Recall that the annual conference is a synergy between The Maritime Forum, an association of the University of Lagos law students with bias for the maritime industry, and SIFAX Group, the company that has put its resources behind this event since inception.
