The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to honour its former presidents in a landmark ceremony in April 2026. The event which is scheduled to hold on April 24, 2026 at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos seeks to recognize the contributions of the former presidents to the formation and nurture of MARAN into a formidable journalism beat association in Nigeria’s maritime industry, and the growth and transformation of maritime journalism in Nigeria. The upcoming event is the maiden edition of the ceremony.
A statement signed by the Chairman of MARAN Caretaker Committee, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, and the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Funso Olojo, described the initiative as historic and first of its kind in the history maritime journalism.
The statement said the event would bring together stakeholders, associates, and well-wishers to join MARAN in honouring its former leaders whose dedication and sacrifice helped position the association as a leading body in maritime journalism.
Ayodele stated that the celebration is aimed at appreciating the vision, resilience, and commitment of past presidents and others who played pivotal roles in shaping the association into a formidable force in the industry.
“As an organization which values the contributions of its leaders, MARAN is celebrating its past Presidents for their vision, passion, zeal, tenacity of purpose, sacrifices, resilience and persistence in the face of adversity and daunting challenges that have shaped the association into the foremost and formidable group of journalists in the maritime industry,” he said.
He informed that invitations have been extended to friends and associates of the honourees to participate in what he described as an epoch-making occasion.
Ayodele expressed sadness over the demise of four former presidents of the association, saying that they would be honoured posthumously for their contributions. He disclosed that family members of the deceased have been invited to receive the awards on their behalf.
The MARAN chairman further stated that the event comes at a significant time, coinciding with the recent appointment of one of its past presidents, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, as Special Adviser on Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
He described Akinola’s appointment as a source of pride for the association, noting that the occasion would also serve as an opportunity to appreciate the Minister for recognizing the competence of its former MARAN leader.
