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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎”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.
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‎”This event was not just a celebration; it was  a reminder that their labour was not in vain.
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‎”Nearly four decades later, MARAN remains strong, relevant, and growing.
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‎”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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎The roll call was intimidating and inspiring.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎However, the deceased past presidents were represented by their dear wives and family friends and members.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎In their  reactions to the unexpected appreciation night, some of the Awardees expressed their heartfelt gratitude to MARAN, the organisers of the event.
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‎The wives of two of the deceased past presidents, Mrs Nneka Rosemary Ugochukwu and Paulina Adegbe, delivered moving messages of gratitude to MARAN.
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‎”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.
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‎”Though he is no longer here, your thoughtful recognition of his leadership through the love, honor and respect showed is really comforting to us .
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‎”Thank you for keeping his memory alive.
‎We are truly grateful for this kind gesture.
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‎”Thank you Chairman, caretaker committee.
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‎”Thank you Chairman, organizing committee.
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‎”Thank you Maritime Reporters association of Nigeria.
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‎Thank you all stakeholders.
‎God bless you” Mrs Nneka Rosemary Ugochukwu said in an emotion- laden voice, tears welling up in her eyes.
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‎Mrs Paulina Adegbe was no less emotional in her message of appreciation for the honour done her late husband, Emmanuel Adegbe.
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‎”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.
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‎”Thank you Maritime Association of Nigeria (MARAN )for what you did, it was an amazing experience.
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‎”We pray for long life and success for the Association in the nearest future. Thank you once again.”
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‎At the rendition of these messages of appreciation, the audience fell into a solemn mood.
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‎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.
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‎Rev. Alban Opara, the first MARAN President, took the awe- struck audience on a historical tour of the the creation of MARAN.
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‎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.
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‎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
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎The appreciation night was a night to remember which will be etched on the memory of all those who attended.
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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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