From Uche Usim, Abuja
For the first time in cruise industry history, Celebrity Cruises, a prominent international cruise line is partnering with the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Ghana, to recruit female bridge officers.
Tagged Celebrity Cadet Programme, the partnership saw the official unveiling of Nicholine Tifuh Azirh, who was recently recruited to join the bridge team onboard Celebrity Equinox.
According to a statement from Celebrity Cruises, “the partnership with RMU came about when Celebrity’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, met with students from the Mandela Washington Fellowship at Florida International University (FIU).
“There, she met Tifuh Azirh, who shared her inspiring story of perseverance. Tifuh Azirh holds two degrees, yet following graduation, she struggled to find opportunities in the maritime industry, as an African female despite her academic performance, subsequent teaching at RMU, and cadet experience.
“After hearing Nicholine’s story, I met with our SVP of Global Marine Operations, Patrik Dahlgren, to see what we needed to do in order to give her, and others, the opportunities they’ve earned. A year later, I’m so excited to share the news of our partnership with RMU and to welcome Nicholine onboard,” said Lutoff-Perlo.
Continuing, she said: “Nicholine isn’t just a new-hire, she symbolises hope for women around the world, who dream of working in a very male-dominated industry. She’s the face of our industry-leading partnership; and she is an incredible example of Celebrity’s commitment to opening up the world.
“Nicholine’s success is our entire world’s success. Her story shows the power of win-win partnerships and the positive impact they have on our communities.”