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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Nigeria’s maritime stakeholders and business community have once again been reminded that the future of global trade is being shaped by technology, efficiency and sustainability across the world because ports are evolving from traditional gateways into intelligent ecosystems powered by automation, data and innovation.
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‎Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna stated this in Lagos, Friday, while speaking at a town hall meeting put together by JournalNG, on the theme “Towards a Regime of Smart Ports in Nigeria.”
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‎Represented by Domo Umoekpe, the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr Okonna said “Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind; our ports must not only catch up, they must be at the forefront.”
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‎”A smart port is more than digital infrastructure. It requires seamless operations, reduced turnaround time, enhanced security, environmental responsibility, and, most importantly, a workforce equipped with the right knowledge and skills to drive it.”
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‎At the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, he stated, emphasis is placed on a competent workforce as the bedrock of every smart system.
‎”So, we are committed to raising forward-thinking maritime professionals who are not only technically sound but digitally ready for this evolving landscape. The Academy offers courses relevant to port operations, port management and port security with emphasis on utilization of digital technologies to achieve smart operations. The Academy is also equipped with smart classrooms, state-of-the-art training facilities, including advanced simulators that provide hands-on experiences in very conducive digital learning spaces.”
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‎He announced that the Academy recently obtained an international certification from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for its Integrated Management System (IMS) in line with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ISO 21001:2025 for Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS).
‎”This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to global best practices, quality assurance, and maritime education and training excellence – values that are significant to the smart port vision.”
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‎”As we chart this course together, let us be bold in our thinking, deliberate in our actions and united in our purpose. The journey towards smart ports in Nigeria is not a distant dream, it is a present responsibility, that we are all be involved”
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‎He commended JournalNG, organizers of the event, for creating what he referred to as an important platform. He urged all stakeholders to translate conversations of the day into concrete actions that will reposition Nigeria as a hub of maritime excellence.
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‎”Together, we can build ports that are not just functional, but digitally integrated and smart,” he concluded.
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‎Highlight of the event was the Distinguished Leadership Award bestowed on the Acting Rector.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Even as responsible reportage induces sectoral reforms and investment, inaccurate reporting can undermine progress and erode confidence.
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‎Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho, Master Mariner and former Minister of Interior stated this, Friday, while speaking as guest at a reception the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hosted in Lagos to honour her past presidents.

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‎Iheanacho, who spoke through Dr. Emeka Akabogwu (SAN), delivered this message at a reception organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in honour of its past presidents in Lagos.
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‎Drawing from nearly five decades of experience across private enterprise and public service, the former minister who was represented by Barr Emeka Akabogu (SAN) identified agenda-setting, accountability, public education, and stakeholder mobilisation as the four key functions through which the media can influence maritime development.
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‎The media, he explained, possesses a unique power to shape national priorities by consistently highlighting industry challenges such as port congestion, high transaction costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.
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‎“Many genuine industry problems do not move into policy consciousness until the media shines a consistent light on them. Sustained and informed reporting is necessary to ensure reforms are not only initiated but also followed through to completion.”
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‎On accountability, Iheanacho acknowledged the watchdog role played by maritime journalists in exposing inefficiencies, corruption risks, and administrative bottlenecks across the sector. However, he cautioned against reporting based on incomplete facts or insufficient technical understanding.
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‎“A misleading report may damage confidence, unsettle investors, and distort policy debates. Accountability journalism must therefore be rigorous, fair, and evidence-based,” he cautioned.
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‎He further stressed the importance of public education, noting that the maritime industry remains highly technical and often poorly understood by the general public despite its direct impact on trade, pricing, and employment.
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‎He called for more data-driven reporting, simplified explanation of policies and increased coverage of inland waterways and coastal economies, warning that Nigeria cannot build a strong blue economy with a poorly informed public.
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‎On stakeholder mobilisation, Iheanacho said the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government, regulators, and private operators, helping to build consensus and sustain momentum around reforms.
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‎“The media provides the platform where alignment begins. But beyond reporting events, journalists must track commitments and ensure that promises translate into measurable outcomes,” he added.
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‎Addressing MARAN members directly, he described maritime journalism as a “strategic national assignment,” urging practitioners to deepen their technical knowledge, interrogate data, and maintain credibility in their reportage.
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‎“Your words can attract confidence—or discourage it. Your analysis can clarify choices—or deepen confusion,” he said
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‎Adding historical context to the association’s evolution, MARAN’s pioneer president, Alban Opara, in a brief historical reflection, recalled that the association was founded in 1988 at the height of port congestion and economic reforms under the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the Babangida administration.
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‎He noted that early maritime reporters operated without accreditation, often gaining access to ports under difficult conditions, but remained committed to investigative and developmental journalism.
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‎He added that MARAN was established not only to protect the interests of maritime journalists but also to position the media as a critical partner in national economic and maritime development.
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‎In his goodwill message, former Comptroller of Customs and District Head of Ketare, Katsina State, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, traced his long-standing relationship with MARAN which began in 1989 during his tenure as Public Relations Officer at the Apapa Customs Command.
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‎Kankara, who was represented at the event, commended the association for its professionalism and support over the years, recalling how MARAN’s coverage contributed to his recognition as Best PRO of the Nigeria Customs Service in 1999 and helped the Tin Can Island Command earn accolades for public engagement.
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‎In his speech, Capt  Sunday Umoren, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control in West and Central Africa, lauded MARAN for contributing to maritime advocacy and transparency. Capt Umoren who was represented by Engr Richard Owolabi described the association as a vital partner in promoting safe and sustainable shipping in West and Central Africa.
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‎Among past MARAN presidents recognised was Dr.Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy who was described as a “destiny supporter” and a key ally in advancing regional maritime objectives.
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‎The Abuja MoU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with MARAN to enhance accurate reporting and support the growth of a safe and environment ally free ports.
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‎Recalling the association’s formation in 1988, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman Tunde Ayodele said many of the pioneers were young professionals in their early 30s at the time, who came together to establish a dedicated maritime reporting beat in Nigeria.
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‎“Today, many of them are in their 60s and 70s, and we gather not just to celebrate their years, but to honour their enduring legacy, sacrifice, and vision,” he said.
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‎Ayodele noted that MARAN’s past presidents had distinguished themselves not only in journalism but also in public service, advisory roles, and national development, citing figures such as Alban Opara, Elder Asu Beks, Sesan Onileimo, Elder Pius Mordi, and Dr. Bolaji Akinola as examples of enduring leadership.
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‎“When my team assumed office as caretakers, one of our key priorities was to reconnect with our roots by honouring these great men,” he said, adding that their wisdom and guidance remain essential to the association’s future.
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‎He appealed to the past leaders to continue to see MARAN as their home, stressing that their continued involvement would strengthen the association and sustain its relevance in the maritime sector.
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By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Key stakeholders in the maritime sector have given a firm assurance to attend the much-awaited reception organized by the  Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to honour her past presidents in appreciation of their invaluable contributions to the growth of the umbrella body of maritime journalists.
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‎These include Master Mariner and erstwhile Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, pioneer President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and Chairman, Starzs Group, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun
‎and  former National President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Skellas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu among others.
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‎The reception which is scheduled to take place this Friday, April 24th, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos is expected to be a melting point for who- is -who in Nigeria’s  maritime industry as more and more stakeholders indicate interest to attend.
‎Beside these key stakeholders, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the ones under the purview of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy have all indicated interest to grace the occasion.
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‎In a statement by Tunde Ayodele, the Caretaker Committee  Chairman and Funso Olojo, the Planning Committee Chairman, the 38 year-old MARAN described the special reception as a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry. “Following weeks of intensive planning and stakeholders’ engagement, the association confirms that it has concluded arrangements for the high-profile ceremony with overwhelming support and positive responses already recorded from key players across the maritime sector.
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‎“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”.
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‎The reception will serve 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.
‎Ayodele said that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization.
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‎On his part, Olojo averred that the willingness of stakeholders to support and attend the event underscores its importance to the wider maritime community.
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‎Giving an overview of the event, Olojo , who doubles as the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of MARAN, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work, and quality leadership of MARAN past leaders.
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‎”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.
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‎”They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellect to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
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‎“More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavours.
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‎”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 and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
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‎” It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles,” he added.
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‎Giving an insight into the programme for the reception, Olojo said the event is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
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‎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.
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‎MARAN remains the foremost maritime journalists beat association with an International Press Centre (IPC) situated at its secretariat in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Apapa, Lagos.
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‎It is also a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
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