Revive the Sector, Farinto Urges Maritime Journalists

The former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto, has called on maritime journalists to rise to the challenge of rejuvenating  the industry, which he described as “dying and in dire need of revival.”

Farinto made the call  during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executives of the maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, (MARAN) in his Lagos office, emphasising the need to wake the sector from its slumber.

Farinto noted that maritime reporters had once been vibrant but had since drifted into complacency. “From Item seven, they migrated and started snoring.”

He urged the maritime media to return to their watchdog role.

He pointed out that criticism is essential for progress, as it helps leaders know whether they are “sitting well or not.” He insisted that any leader who resists criticism is not a true leader.

Citing President Bola Tinubu’s earlier statement that he welcomes criticism and will use it to improve governance, Farinto said such openness should be the hallmark of leadership.

He recalled a personal encounter with Tinubu in Abuja, where the President described himself as “a thinker and a doer.” Farinto stressed that this philosophy should guide MARAN executives in the maritime sector.

He maintained that history will ultimately judge their actions.

The ANLCA chieftain also drew from his academic experience, referencing lessons from his master’s programme where he was taught that true thinkers must go beyond rhetoric to practical solutions. He urged stakeholders to embrace deep reflection and decisive action, warning that without bold leadership and constructive criticism, the maritime industry risks further decline.

He said, “Now, you must make a change and the first thing you have to do is to wake the industry from the slumber. I did mentioned that the Maritime Journalists were on Item seven. From Item seven, they migrated, started snoring.

“Make news, the industry is dying. It is part of criticism that you bring out issues. If you don’t criticise, you won’t be able to know whether you are sitting well or not. If a leader does not want to be criticised, he is not a leader.

“Are you telling me It is when you perform that you’ll be able to lick the oil that is coming to your hands. But when you are stagnant, you make everyone stagnate.

“If you don’t want to offend, you end up offending yourself. Because history will judge you. If your tenure is three, four years, it will look as if it’s long.

“My advice for you is to rejuvenate the industry, wake the maritime industry from the slumber, and bring in innovation.

*You have been elected, and the mandate has been given to you, represent the industry well. If you must step on toes, step on toes. But if you say, I don’t want to offend, you end up offending yourself, and I don’t want you to offend yourself.

Earlier, MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, commended Dr. Farinto for his contributions to the industry in driving economy.

He described him as a dogged fighter and a go-getter, adding that he is a man who when he wants to get what he wants, he doesn’t care, “He will tell you to your face. And I believe that God has helped him so much. Through him, he has helped push ANLCA to greater height”.

Similarly, Former National Secretary, Babatunde Mukaila, advised the executives to consult widely and open their doors for advice, consultation, and suggestions.

To him, “I encourage you and the executive to keep the flag flying.

“There are so many things that need to be done, I would advise that you hit the ground running. Consult widely and open your door for advice, for consultation, and suggestions”.