Maritime Agencies
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The 2025 set of graduating cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, have received ministerial accolades even as they are being charged to carry on their shoulders the mandate to serve Nigeria and humanity through the noble calling of seafaring.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H. E. Adegboyega Oyetola gave the charge while speaking during the ceremonial Passing-Out-Parade (POP) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking through his representative, Mr Babatunde Bombata, the Minister said: “Today marks a major milestone in your journey as young Nigerians committed to serving your nation and humanity through the noble calling of seafaring. This event represents discipline, perseverance and the beginning of a life dedicated to professionalism, patriotism and excellence. I warmly congratulate the Class of 2025 for this well-deserved achievement. You have successfully completed rigorous academic, technical and physical training, and today, you stand as worthy ambassadors of this great academy and our beloved nation.”
He prayed that as they set sail into new horizons, the knowledge gained at MAN would serve as their compass. The world’s oceans await their skill, integrity and courage.
He commended the Acting Rector, Governing Council, Management and Staff of the Academy for their dedication and transformative leadership.
”In a short period, the Academy has evolved into a world-class institution, distinguished by advancements in infrastructure, curriculum modernization, simulator-based training and adherence to international standards such as the STCW Convention”.
”These accomplishments”, he added , “underscore the power of vision, teamwork and commitment to excellence. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, I appreciate all who contributed to this progress. The Ministry’s mission aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda which seeks to unlock opportunities in shipping, port development, fisheries, maritime transport, marine tourism and offshore resources management. At the heart of this vision lies human capital development — and the Academy plays a vital role in preparing the skilled professionals needed to secure Nigeria’s rightful place in the global maritime community and sustainable use of this resources”.
Extolling the virtues of resilience and courage the graduating cadets acquired at the Academy, he reminded them that as they begin their career into the world, they must remember that they are ambassadors of both the Academy and Nigeria.
”The maritime profession demands discipline, integrity and a strong sense of duty. Let the values instilled in you guide your path. Uphold ethical standards, demonstrate professionalism and let your conduct bring pride to our national flag”.
Oyetola assured them that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the Academy through continued investment in modern training facilities, expansion of international partnerships, promotion of cadetship and sea-time opportunities, and advancement of research and innovation in maritime education.
”These initiatives aim to sustain MAN Oron’s reputation as a hub for world-class maritime training and leadership.”
Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, Governing Council Chairman, MAN
In his presentation at the colourful event, the Academy’s Governing Council Chairman, Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola joined the Minister to laud the outgoing cadets and to reflect on what he described as the present achievement and the journey that has brought the graduating cadets and MAN to this point.
To the graduating cadets, he said: “Your hard work and determination have paid off, and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves. As you go forth, remember that the skills and knowledge you have acquired here are not just a means to a career, but a foundation for a lifetime of learning, growth, and service.As you embark on your maritime careers, I urge you to remain committed to the values of safety, sustainability, and social responsibility. ”
”The maritime industry is a vital component of global trade and commerce, and it is your responsibility to ensure that it operates in a manner that is consistent with these values.”
By way of a parting word, he drew the graduating cadets’ attention to an evergreen statement of Nelson Mandela:
”The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
As you go forth, he admonished, remember that setbacks and challenges are an inevitable part of life. But it is how you respond to them that will define your character and determine your success. Let your mantra be ‘you never fail until you stop trying’.
Dr Kevin Okonna, Ag Rector, MAN
Engr Akinola expressed gratitude to the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna, the faculty and staff of MAN for tireless efforts in shaping the minds and characters of the cadets.
” Your dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching have been instrumental in preparing our graduates for success. Your tenacity in creating opportunities for sea time training for our cadets is well appreciated.”
Group picture with graduating cadets
He lauded the parents and guardians of the graduating cadets for showing unwavering support and encouragement.
”Your role in the lives of our cadets has been invaluable, and we are grateful for your partnership.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Arising from weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hereby confirms readiness and an overwhelming industry stakeholders support for its planned special reception to honour her past presidents.
The reception is a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
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 MARAN but to restate the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.
Speaking on the event, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele noted that the reception serves as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
He added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization.
As stated by Funsho Olojo, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as heads of key maritime agencies, have indicated strong interest in attending the event.
Several corporate organizations and industry groups have also signified their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its importance to the wider maritime community.
Mr Olojo, while giving an overview of the event, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work and quality leadership offered by past MARAN leaders.
”MARAN, as the projenitor 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 intellect 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 endeavors.
” Some are excelling as Ministers of God in His vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, some have become media moguls and 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”, Olojo declared.
The reception, which will be held on April 24, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN is the foremost maritime journalists beat association, and a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media will host a one-day seminar at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, Lagos. This is part of efforts to create needed public awareness on the National Single Window (NSW), the Federal Government’s flagship trade facilitation project.
With the theme, “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure,” the parley provides a platform for stakeholders to openly discuss concerns and chart strategies for the effective implementation of the NSW.
Sub-themes of the seminar are Transparency in Single Window Project – A Key to Sustainability, and Inter-Agency Rival-Free Collaboration for NSW Success.
Dr. Segun Musa, Lead Consultant, Global Transport Policy, will deliver a keynote address while many maritime eggheads have been lined up as panel of discussants.
These include Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman, Customs Consultative Committee who chairs the event while Hon. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, CRFFN will be the Co-Chairman.
Other high-profile participants expected include Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (Chief Guest of Honour), Mr. Tola Fakolade, Director, National Single Window (Special Guest of Honour), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, Nigerian Ports Authority, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG, NIMASA. Others are Dr. Pius Akutah MON, ES, Nigerian Shippers Council, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, Acting MD, NIWA, and Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD, Lagos Free Trade Zone.
The seminar will feature insights from customs controllers, freight forwarders’ associations, indigenous terminal operators, and regulators.
According to the organizers, the event offers a rare opportunity to harvest ideas and align government agencies, private operators and civil society organizations around a shared vision for a seamless trade ecosystem.
Officials project that the NSW could reduce transaction costs by up to 25% and increase government revenue by 20%. However, experts caution that Nigeria’s history of reform setbacks underscores the need for robust safeguards to ensure success.
Maritime Agencies
Akutah, Shippers’ Council Boss, Denies Political Distraction Claims, Insists He’s Focused on His Duties.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah says stakeholders and the general public should evaluate his performance based on policy outcomes and sector stability instead of speculating about personal political ambition as he will continue to operate within his mandate as CEO regardless of external narratives.
His commitment to the Nigerian maritime sector, he notes, is his priority as he ensures that regulatory interventions support economic growth, protect stakeholders’ interests and enhance Nigeria’s position in regional and global matitime trade.
Dr Akutah stated this while dismissing as unfounded and irrelevant suggestions that his alleged political ambition is affecting his performance or distracting him from his regulatory duties. Some
stakeholders have even linked their concerns to recent tensions over tariff adjustments and regulatory decisions in the maritime sector.
Akutah who said the allegations are a misrepresentation of his priorities stressed that his focus remains firm on the discharge of his statutory responsibilities under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
While public officials are often subject to speculation regarding personal political intentions, he insists, such narratives should not be allowed to overshadow institutional work or be used to undermine regulatory actions taken in good faith and in line with the law.
According to him, all decisions taken under his leadership have been guided strictly by legal provisions, stakeholder consultations, and the broader objective of maintaining balance within the maritime economy, rather than any personal or political considerations.
He maintained that the Council’s priority remains the protection of national trade interests, fair regulation of the port economy, and ensuring stability across the shipping and logistics value chain.
Akutah further noted that distractions arising from political rumours or external commentary do not alter the Council’s regulatory direction, as his administration continues to engage stakeholders and implement reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency and transparency in the sector.
He emphasized that leadership of a critical economic regulatory agency such as the NSC requires focus, continuity and adherence to due process. His attention , he insists, remains on institutional reforms rather than political pursuits.
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