By David Ebeatarhe Sagua

Chief Executive Officer of Brittania-U, Mrs. Uju Ifejika, has charged women in shipping under the aegis of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA- Nigeria), to drop the cry of marginalisation and step up their performance.

Ifejika, who was the guest speaker at the WISTA- Nigeria luncheon/book launch, explained that dogged commitment by women professionals is a more productive and fulfilling enterprise.

“If I want to be given the same opportunities that are given to men, it now behoves me to bring out a superior performance to enable me stand side-by-side with the men. The trail of what you are leaving behind will speak for you.”

She said that each individual must identify her purpose in life rather than chasing shadows in life.

She said: “There is no manna from heaven; the manna is inside you. You need to wake up that vision in you and do much more than you’re doing right now to bring it to fruition. Women in other climes are becoming presidents, originators of multi-billion dollar companies/ideas.”

Ifejika identified fear of the unknown and the opinion of friends, as the major hindrance to actualisation of vision rather than non-availability of funds.

“Three quarters of us here have the competencies to be the best business gurus,”she stated.

The first thing you look out for is, ‘I don’t have the money. Do you know how much a vessel costs? I however do not look at money. I consider if it is what I want to do then present it before God. If it something God wants you to do, he will position the materials, the people et cetera.” She said that opportunities abound in the Nigerian economy and likened the maritime sector to a green area that has barely being scratched.