Maritime Bigwigs Confirm Attendance…

ZAINAB JUNAID

As Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) concluded plans to honour its past presidents, key industry figures have confirmed their participation.

The event, which is slated for Friday, 24 April 2026, is expected to draw industry bigwigs to honour the contributions and leadership of MARAN erstwhile Presidents.

Key stakeholders that have shown interest include, Master mariner and former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; pioneer President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and Chairman, Starzs Group, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; former National President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Skellas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu.

Other expected notable dignitaries are representatives from government agencies, several corporate organisations and industry groups.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, MARAN Caretaker Committee, Mr Tunde Ayodele and Chairman, Planning Committee, Mr. Funsho Olojo, the event also aimed at reinforcing the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.

The statement partly reads, “Following weeks of intensive planning and stakeholders engagement, we have concluded arrangements for the high-profile ceremony with overwhelming support and positive responses already recorded from key players across the maritime sector.

“The event, which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of the association but also to reinforce the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth”.

Mr Ayodele added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators, particularly as the sector undergoes significant reforms and modernisation efforts.

Also, Mr Olojo asserted that the willingness of stakeholders to support and attend the event underscores its importance to the wider maritime community.

Olojo, who doubles as the Chairman, Board of Trustees(BOT) of MARAN, noted that the event would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work, and quality leadership of MARAN past leaders.

He said, “MARAN as the progenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.

“They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellects to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.

“More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavours.

“Some are excelling as Ministers of God in the Lord’s vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, and some have become media moguls, employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.

“It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles”.

Mr Funsho added that the event will feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.

As the countdown continues, the association urged industry stakeholders, corporate organisations, and key individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.

With its Head office located in Apapa, Lagos, MARAN remains the foremost maritime journalists beat association that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.