Maritime Agencies
MARAN’s Appreciation Night for Former Presidents Showcased Pomp and Pageantry.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Glitz, bliss and glamour reigned when the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), hosted its past presidents to an appreciation reception at the Rockview hotel, Apapa Lagos.
The pioneer maritime reporters body showcased its 13 past leaders who had toiled and sweated to build the association into a formidable group of maritime journalists that has over the years shaped government policies and programmes in the maritime industry.
An idea of the reception which started like the proverbial mustard seed was sown by the present Tunde Ayodele-led Caretaker Committee of the association when it was tabled at the Association’ s Congress meeting in January, 2026.
According to Ayodele, his caretaker committee was inspired to organize a befitting reception for the past presidents, given their sacrifices, passion, patriotism and sheer resilience they had displayed to berth a MARAN that was the progenitor of all other journalists association in the maritime industry.
”When my team and I assumed responsibility as the caretaker committee, one of our foremost priorities was to reconnect with our roots by honouring these great men.
”This event was not just a celebration; it was a reminder that their labour was not in vain.
”Nearly four decades later, MARAN remains strong, relevant, and growing.
”We recognise that the wisdom, experience, and guidance of our past leaders are invaluable” Ayodele said, giving an insight into what motivated its committee to organize the reception.
So they tapped on a five- man Organising committee led by Funso Olojo, the Chairman of Board of Trustees (BOT) of MARAN, to ensure that this vision becomes a reality.
So, the Organising committee, which also consisted of John Iwori, Enyeribe Anyanwu, Ruth Umunna, and Sandra Chkwunyere, set to work, toiling day and night to organize the most befitting reception for the past leaders of the association.
On April 24th, 2026, the past presidents of MARAN, for the first time in the 38 years of the establishment of the association, gathered together under the same roof where they were unveiled to the stakeholders in the industry.
It was a night of glowing tributes, good will messages and effusive show of love to the men and woman of valor who built and nurtured MARAN to stardom.
The roll call was intimidating and inspiring.
Rev. Alban Opara, the Minister of God in His vineyard and the pioneer President of MARAN, Elder ASU Beks, an enigmatic media mogul who is the CEO of Maritime Media Limited, the publisher of the influential Shipping World and the one commonly called the God Father, Barrister Tino Buoro, a legal luminary and expert in Arbitration law, Ubon Akpan, now late but a colossus in the media world, Emmanuel Adegbe, now late who was also a force to be reckoned with in journalism and Pius Mordi, the Media Aide to the Governor of Delta. state.
Others were Ray Ugochukwu, now late , the two – terms President of MARAN, the first ever person to achieve such a rare feat . He was also an erudite journalist.
Sesan Onilemo, another brilliant and consummate journalist who is the CEO of First Mediacon Media Limited, the publisher of the influencial Shipping position Newspaper and producer of Shipping position on radio, Dele Aderibigbe, another fearless journalist who is the pioneer and current Chairman of the Nigeria National Maritime Journalists(NNMJ), the confederation of six maritime journalists associations in the maritime industry, Adeleye Ajayi, a retired Director at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and the current two- term Chairman of Lagos council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ), Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Ifeyinwa Obi, now late who was a humanist, passionate and committed welfarist who was a crack journalist.
The last but not the least on the roll call of MARAN past presidents celebrated on that night of glitz was Anya Njoku, a fiery and fearless journalist.
However, the deceased past presidents were represented by their dear wives and family friends and members.
While Mrs Nneka Rosemary Ugochukwu stood for her late husband, Ray Ugochukwu, Mrs Paulina Adegbe and her two adorable daughters stood in for her late husband, Emmanuel Adegbe.
Mr Frank Meke, a seasoned journalist, represented the family of late Ubong Akpan as the wife of the deceased was away on a family engagement.
By and large, it was a night to remember as MARAN, in an unprecedented way, honoured the labour of its heroes past to ensure that they did not labour in vain.
The event attracted a large assemblage of stakeholders, consisting maritime agencies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, technocrats ,academia and well wishers of MARAN and the Awardees.
In their reactions to the unexpected appreciation night, some of the Awardees expressed their heartfelt gratitude to MARAN, the organisers of the event.
The wives of two of the deceased past presidents, Mrs Nneka Rosemary Ugochukwu and Paulina Adegbe, delivered moving messages of gratitude to MARAN.
”With heartfelt appreciation, the family of Ugochukwu sincerely appreciate the Maritime Reporters association of Nigeria (MARAN) for the honor bestowed on my late husband, Ray Ugochukwu, your former president.
”Though he is no longer here, your thoughtful recognition of his leadership through the love, honor and respect showed is really comforting to us .
”Thank you for keeping his memory alive.
We are truly grateful for this kind gesture.
”Thank you Chairman, caretaker committee.
”Thank you Chairman, organizing committee.
”Thank you Maritime Reporters association of Nigeria.
Thank you all stakeholders.
God bless you” Mrs Nneka Rosemary Ugochukwu said in an emotion- laden voice, tears welling up in her eyes.
Mrs Paulina Adegbe was no less emotional in her message of appreciation for the honour done her late husband, Emmanuel Adegbe.
”The family of late Emmanuel Adegbe sincerely wants to appreciate the organizers of the event held 24/4/2026 in honor of their past presidents living and the deceased.
”Thank you Maritime Association of Nigeria (MARAN )for what you did, it was an amazing experience.
”We pray for long life and success for the Association in the nearest future. Thank you once again.”
At the rendition of these messages of appreciation, the audience fell into a solemn mood.
The event, chaired by the legendary Engineer Greg Ogbeifun, was spiced by a thought- provoking seminar paper by Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, the former Minister of Interior who spoke on the topic:The Role of Media in Sustainable Maritime Development.
Rev. Alban Opara, the first MARAN President, took the awe- struck audience on a historical tour of the the creation of MARAN.
Rev.Opara told the audience about the dramatic story of how MARAN was born on April 10th,1988 during the fraud- induced port congestion era of that year.
He also listed the founding members of the historic nascent body of maritime journalists to include
Alban Opara – the Vanguard Newspaper, (Pioneer President),
Emeka Okoroanyanwu – The Guardian Newspaper ( Pioneer Vice president),
Friday Odoemena – The Republic Newspaper ( Pioneer General Secretary),
Remi itie – Radio Nigeria ( Pioneer Treasurer), later Maritime Economist)
Martin Nwanne – Daily Times Newspapers
Goke Odeyinka replaced Tunde Fabunmi – National Concord
Eddie Iroha – Business Times
Hanni Okoroafor – Business Concord
News Agency of Nigeria, NAN Correspondence ( Name not available)
Rasheed Williams – National Television Authority
These are the men and woman that braved the odds and the intimidation of the military government of General Ibrahim Babamosi Babangida and the oppressive port authority of that period.
It was a historical expedition that make the audience fall into a pin- drop silence while listening with rapt attention but later erupted in a spontaneous applause after the thrilling details of how MARAN was formed.
The occasion afforded most MARAN members, especially the younger ones, many of who were still toddlers or were even not yet born at the creation of MARAN, to behold, flesh and blood, those men who were the forerunners of the association.
The appreciation night was a night to remember which will be etched on the memory of all those who attended.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical at the Tantita Security Services Ltd, will deliver the keynote speech at the 10th Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference (AMSAY) billed for June 10, 2026. Venue is the Conference Hall of the Mission To Seafarers, 29 Marine Road, Apapa GRA, Lagos.
As stated in a release, Enisuoh will speak on the lead paper entitled, “The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Maritime Sector: Understanding How Nations Develop Their Maritime Industry.”
Organised by Platforms Communications annually, the arrowhead, Sylvanus Obasi, says the AMSAY Conference has over the past decade evolved into a critical platform for youth advocacy, mentorship and stakeholders’-students engagement to discuss and proffer solutions to contemporary issues affecting the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector, having consistently driven conversations around industry reforms, capacity growth, innovation and sustainable development.
With over two decades of global experience spanning maritime operations, aviation, and national security, Captain Enisuoh is widely regarded as a leading authority in maritime safety, shipping development, and infrastructure protection in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He holds a Master Mariner Class 1 Unlimited Foreign Going License, an Aircraft Pilot’s License, and a Diploma in Aviation. His academic journey includes training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron; Arab Maritime Transport Academy, Egypt; Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania; Tasmanian Aviation College; and the Swiss Air Training Centre in Zurich.
Over the years, he has held strategic roles across continents, including eight years with Pacific International Lines in Singapore and six years with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). He also served as a lecturer, instructor, course developer, and examiner at the Australian Maritime College.
In Nigeria, he contributed significantly to sectoral development during his tenure at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), where he served as Director of Maritime Safety and Director of Shipping Development.
Capt Warredi”s Keynote Speech will also feature a high-level panel discussion moderated by Captain Dr. Fola Ojutalayo, Marine Surveyor and Senior Lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
Panelists are drawn from diverse segments of the maritime industry, including regulators, shipowners, local content experts, technical professionals, legal practitioners, operators, and the academia as representatives from NIMASA, Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, are expected to discuss the lead paper .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command has called for deeper collaboration with maritime journalists as part of efforts to strengthen security within Nigeria’s port environment and support the growth of the nation’s maritime economy.
Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, made the call on Tuesday while receiving the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
The visit, led by MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, provided an opportunity for both parties to reaffirm their commitment to promoting safety, security, and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Speaking during the engagement, Onigbinde commended the Command for its efforts in safeguarding the nation’s ports and other critical maritime assets, noting that security remains a key pillar for sustainable trade and economic development.
He pledged MARAN’s continued support through responsible journalism, accurate reporting, and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector.
According to him, the media has a crucial role to play in creating public awareness, promoting transparency, and highlighting issues that impact the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
In her remarks, CP Agbaminoja congratulated the newly elected MARAN leadership and acknowledged the association’s longstanding contribution to the dissemination of credible information on developments within the maritime industry.
She emphasized that stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the media would enhance public trust, improve security consciousness, and contribute to national economic growth.
The Commissioner noted that effective communication and timely information sharing are essential in addressing security challenges within the port ecosystem, stressing that the media remains a strategic partner in achieving those objectives.
She further assured the association of the Command’s readiness to maintain open channels of communication and foster productive partnerships aimed at advancing port security, maritime safety, and trade facilitation.
Nigeria’s ports serve as critical gateways for international trade and revenue generation, making security within the maritime sector a matter of national economic importance. Stakeholders have consistently advocated greater collaboration among security agencies, regulators, operators, and the media to strengthen surveillance, curb criminal activities, and improve operational efficiency.
The meeting concluded with both the Ports Authority Police Command and MARAN reaffirming their commitment to sustained engagement and cooperation in support of a safer and more efficient maritime industry.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s pioneer maritime journalists’ body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will inaugurate her brand new Executive Council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
The high-profile event which is planned to bring together key stakeholders from the maritime, shipping, logistics, security, and media sectors will also feature discussions on strengthening ethical standards in maritime journalism.
The theme of the inauguration is “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.”
The Chairman of the occasion is Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), while the keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, a leading public relations and event management expert.
Special Guests of Honour expected at the event 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. Also expected are 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.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, MARAN President, Comrade. Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s journey towards deepening professionalism, credibility, and responsible maritime reportage.
The new executive council, he stated, 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 added.
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.
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