Maritime Agencies
Le Look Marks 40 Years of Resilience and Doggedness in Entrepreneurship
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Le Look Nigeria Ltd, makers of Le Look Bags brand, has set out October 1, 2025 to celebrate her 40th year anniversary at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos,
the founder and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, has said .
The event with morning and award night sessions has the theme “Legacy of Resilience: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Africa’s Economic Future.”
Le Look 40th Anniversary is a milestone that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of Nigerian enterprise.
Founded in 1985, according to Mrs Ezenwa, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Le Look has grown from a small women-led business into a proudly Nigerian manufacturer, exporting unique, locally crafted bags to international markets.
”Over four decades, we have stayed true to our mission of strengthening local manufacturing, creating jobs and transferring skills; opening doors for women and youth in enterprise;
supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and the AfCFTA agenda.”
”This anniversary is more than a celebration—it is a call to sustain entrepreneurship in Africa’s fast-changing economy,” she noted.
With over 300 distinguished guests expected, including senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and entrepreneurs across generations;
the day will feature keynote address and fireside conversations with veteran entrepreneurs as well as panel sessions on business longevity.
Other features on presentation are African Continental Free Trade Agreement(AfCFTA) readiness and
youth and women forums on inclusive business practices
Exhibitions by government and trade agencies will also be part of the activities.
Le Look Nigeria Limited has grown to a global brand with the Le Look Bags Academy built in Abuja, Enugu and Lagos.
Le Look is a manufacturer of Afro-centric luxury-life style branded bags inspired by African culture and sensibility.
These handbags are crafted from African prints in celebration of the rich African heritage with international and modern fashion flair.
The company offers multiple product categories including ready-to-wear handbags, Apple-support products and other carry-on unique and durable accessories.
”Our partnership with designers in Africa has catalysed the resurgence of retailing locally made goods across the continent,” Ezenwa said.
According to her, “Through our studio in Lagos, we provide on- the-job training, school tuition and health care benefits.
”Our philosophy is simple-to be the first and foremost African luxury brand with global reach”, she added.
Over the years, Le Look Bags Academy has partnered international and government institutions to promote trade and build capacities for the continent.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) last year partnered Le Look Nigeria Limited to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and empower local artisans, particularly women and youth in Lagos. This collaboration, includes the launch of an export skills acquisition center and a fashion innovation hub to equip individuals with skills in bag-making and international trade to meet growing global demand for handcrafted bags.
Also, UNDP Nigeria is in partnership with Le Look Bags Academy, to launch a training program designed to equip unemployed youth with limited formal education, primarily women, with practical skills in bag-making as a sustainable livelihood mechanism.
Le Look Bags Academy serves as the leading hub for mastering bag-making and digital technology skills.
The academy provides a unique, personalized approach to equipping learners with the necessary skills to succeed in the dynamic global landscape.
Le Look Nigeria Limited is the first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) to receive the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
As a certified AEO, Le Look benefits from trade facilitation, reduced costs, and improved efficiency in its export and import activities, supporting Nigeria’s goal of becoming a leading trade hub.
Le Look Nigeria is No 0001 under the AFCFTA guided trade Initiative to receive the Certificate of Origin to trade across Africa
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), the security outfit keeping surveillance over oil and gas installations and other critical assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, has secured an approval to deliver a technical lecture on Drone Security at the 2026 edition of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). This lecture will spotlight the use of drone technology in offshore oil platform protection.
The presentation, scheduled for next year’s global gathering of energy innovation will showcase Tantita’s pioneering efforts in leveraging unmanned aerial systems to monitor and secure Nigeria’s vast offshore assets.
Confirming the development, the company’s Executive Director of Technical and Operations, Captain Dr. Warredi Enisuoh, noted that the approval from OTC reflects growing international recognition of Tantita’s operational successes and technological innovation.
Tantita’s lecture will delve into real-time surveillance, threat detection, and collaborative frameworks for maritime security, aligning with OTC’s broader focus on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-sector innovation in offshore energy.
The 2026 conference is expected to attract thousands of global stakeholders, including engineers, policymakers, and investors, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.
Maritime Agencies
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As renewed tanker and truck build-up begin to show up on the ports access route in Apapa, there are strong indications that the infamous traffic gridlock that once crippled business activities in Apapa and environs is gradually resurfacing, threatening to paralyze movement and port operations once again.
Port workers now battle renewed evening congestion as truckers and tankers swarm the port access roads daily, preventing other road users from seamless transit.
Investigations by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMI) reveal that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a long trail of trucks begins forming by evening from both the Costain and Mile 2 entry points.
From the Ijora-Olopa Bridge to Apapa and from Coconut Bus Stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, trucks line up in droves, allegedly paying between N30,000 and N50,000 to secure a spot in the queue.
Officials of key government agencies, investigations show, are complicit in the illegal toll collection as they allegedly look the other way as the situation worsens.
These agencies include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police.
The most affected areas include Wharf Road, Warehouse Road, Commercial Road, Burma Road, and Creek Road.
Speaking on the development, Moses Fadipe, former National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), attributed the resurgence to the return of vested interests who previously profited from the chaos. The Lagos State Government, he noted, knows what steps to take to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Martins Enebeli, President of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Nigerian Licensed Ship Chandlers Association (NILSCA), blamed government insincerity for the relapse.
He urged authorities to prioritise rail transport for cargo evacuation from Lagos ports and to revive Eastern and Delta ports to ease pressure on Apapa.
“Bonded terminals should be relocated far from the ports and connected by rail. Government must stop concentrating port operations in the West while neglecting other regions,” Enebeli stated.
Speaking anonymously, a senior official confirmed that a syndicate involving both state and non-state actors is profiting from the tolls collected from truckers, exacerbating the traffic crisis.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have been unanimous in their call for urgent federal government intervention to dismantle the alleged racketeering network and restore sanity to Apapa’s transport corridors.
Maritime Agencies
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following his outstanding contributions to capacity development in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Training (CILT), Nigeria, Thursday, conferred special honours on the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna.
Tagged “Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport”, the conferment was the highlight of the 2025 National Conference and Awards Ceremony of the Institute which took place in Lagos.
Speaking at the event , CILT Nigeria President, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, highlighted the Institute’s strategic partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN). She commended Dr. Okonna for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.
“Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the Academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the Academy is worthy of emulation,” Mrs. Usoro stated.
In his remarks following the conferment of the award, the elated Acting Rector expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour. He described it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general
“This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the Management, Staff, Students and Cadets of the Academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress.”
”It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” he promised.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, has dedicated over thirty years to the service of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. As a lecturer, he assiduously rose through the ranks to clinch the position of Acting Rector.
In ten months since he became the Acting Rector, MAN Oron has recorded significant milestones. His leadership has heralded extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrade of teaching facilities and restoration of public power supply to the Academy’s campus and environs. Other key areas include the pursuance of ISO Certification for the Academy, development of Conditions and Scheme of Service, development of Courses on Port State Control, enhancement of staff and cadet welfare and many others.
His tenure has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and other global maritime bodies.
The CILT recognition, industry watchers say, underscores the Acting Rector’s enduring legacy of excellence. It also reinforces the Academy’s stance as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution.
Distinguished officers of MAN Oron witnessed the CILT conferment on the Acting Rector. These included the Acting Director, School of Maritime Transport Studies, Mrs Theresa Eyo; Senior Lecturers – Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise and Dr. Ufia Friday. Others were the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and Domo Umoekpe, the Academy’s Head of Public Affairs Department.
OTC 2026: Tantita Secures Approval for Lecture on Drone Security
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
PTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
Focus on Innovation, Integrity and Continuous Learning, Apapa Customs Boss Charges Newly Promoted Officers
Seme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
’MV DRAGON’: Freight Forwarders Group Hails Clarion Shipping, Stage A Roadshow
TRADE FACILITATION: Seme Customs Hosts Joint Border Stakeholders’ Engagement To Deepen Cordial Relationships.
IMO Hails Nigeria’s Anti-piracy Arrangement, Recommends Same To Other Nations.
ABUJA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR: Abuja’s Location, Agro-allied Potentials Favour Non-oil Revenue, says NPA.
IMO Commends Nigeria’s Maritime Security Architecture, Blue Economy Policy.
WMD 2025: Innovative Financing Is Key To Drive Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy, Says Oyetola. S
Maritime Journalists Associations Come Under One Umbrella, Form NNMI.
WMD 2025: Shippers’ Council Joins Global Community to Celebrate, Emphasizes Sustainable Blue Economy
WMD 2025: MAN Oron Steals the Show As Cadets Bag Multiple Awards.
Sustained High Revenue: Tincan Customs Command Under Comptroller Onyeka A Test Case.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoSeme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoPTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago’MV DRAGON’: Freight Forwarders Group Hails Clarion Shipping, Stage A Roadshow
-
Maritime Agencies6 days agoOTC 2026: Tantita Secures Approval for Lecture on Drone Security
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoFocus on Innovation, Integrity and Continuous Learning, Apapa Customs Boss Charges Newly Promoted Officers
-
Maritime Agencies6 days ago Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
-
Maritime Agencies7 days agoCILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award