MARAN New Excos Officially Take Office June 23 

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of efforts to ensure smooth transition and continuity of the association’s activities, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has scheduled the official inauguration of its newly elected Executive Council, for Tuesday, 23 June 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.

Themed “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development”, the high-profile ceremony will be graced by key stakeholders across the industry and also featured discussions centered on strengthening ethical standards in maritime journalism.

Recall that the newly elected Executive Council had already hit the ground running, embarking on familiarisation visits to critical stakeholders across the industry, following their election in May.

The inauguration ceremony, which will take place at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos by 10:00am, is expected to be chaired by Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), while the keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, a leading public relations and events management expert.

Special Guests of Honour for the day include: the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Chief executives of maritime agencies, captains of industry, leaders of maritime associations, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders across the maritime value chain, are equally expected to grace the event.

Speaking ahead of the inauguration, the President of MARAN, Com. Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s journey towards deepening professionalism, credibility, and responsible maritime reportage.

According to him, the new executive council will focus on repositioning MARAN as a stronger voice within the maritime sector through capacity building, constructive engagement, and adherence to ethical journalism standards.

He noted that the theme of the event underscores the indispensable role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

“The maritime industry is central to Nigeria’s economic growth, and ethical journalism remains a vital instrument for ensuring that developments within the sector are accurately reported and constructively engaged,” he stated.

Onigbinde further called on government agencies, industry operators, and media practitioners to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime journalism and advancing the nation’s blue economy aspirations.

The inauguration ceremony will formally usher in the new leadership of MARAN, which is expected to steer the association towards greater impact and relevance in the maritime sector.