The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has elected another set of leaders to manage its affairs in the next three years. MARAN is the umbrella body of all journalists covering the maritime business sector in Nigeria. The election which held at the International Press Centre, Apapa on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 saw all the contestants returned unopposed. Thus Mr Godfrey Bivbere, a staff of Vanguard Newspapers was returned unopposed as the new president of the association.
The MARAN election was conducted by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by its Lagos State Council Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi.
Mr Bivbere took over the leadership of the association from a caretaker committee headed by Mr Adegboyega Oni which was installed late 2022. He is from the Maritime Desk of the Vanguard Newspapers, and elected unopposed, making the second time of such event in the history of MARAN elections which was established since 1988.
Others elected alongside Bivbere who also emerged unopposed are; Mr Adegboyega Oni of Port News as Vice President, Mr Babajide Okeowo as Secretary General, Sandra Chukwunyere as Public Relations Officer/Internal Auditor, Mrs Pearl Ngwama as Assistant Secretary, Abba Collins as Financial Secretary and Joy Mmereole Okoli as Treasurer.
Speaking while swearing in the new executives, the NUJ Lagos Council Chairman, Mr Leye Ajayi said that Bivbere’s unopposed election was the first in the history of MARAN.
“MARAN election is always keenly contested, but Godfrey Bivbere is coming in unopposed, and this means he is highly loved by all MARAN members. Godfrey is not new in the association, he is tested and trusted, a professional to the core” he said
Ajayi however enjoined the new MARAN President to use his presidency to unite members of the association, to carry all members along, and to always listen to advise.
“You must run an inclusive government, don’t be parochial but try be fair to all members”
Ajayi also charged members of MARAN to corporate with the new executives to achieve success.
In his acceptance speech, Godfrey Bivbere appreciated all MARAN members for their support, even as he promised to serve the association will he got.
“From now on, the job starts, it is going to be a collective work, we are going to carry along all members, I and my executives promise to restore the glory of MARAN and return her to its winning ways” Bivbere said
