The newly elected Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) receives felicitation from across the industry
By Innocent Chukwu
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commended the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for its peaceful election and leadership transition. The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications (C&SC) Department of the NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemekara who gave the commendation on behalf of the agency described the new MARAN leadership as a smooth, peaceful, and rancour-free leadership transition.
Onyemekara gave the commendation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 when the newly elected Executive Committee of MARAN paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.
He noted that the seamless transition of leadership within the association reflected a strong administrative structure capable of sustaining unity, stability, and institutional continuity.
According to him, in many organisations, caretaker committees often attempt tenure elongation, a situation that can lead to internal divisions and instability. He, however, praised MARAN for avoiding such pitfalls and successfully conducting a peaceful electoral process.
Onyemekara also applauded the association for its culture of recognising and celebrating past leaders, describing it as a sign of institutional maturity and respect for continuity.
He urged the newly inaugurated Executive Committee, led by MARAN President Oluyinka Onigbinde, to remain focused and continue engaging stakeholders constructively in advancing the maritime sector.
Earlier in his remark, Onigbinde said the visit was to appreciate the NPA for its sustained support to MARAN over the years and to seek stronger collaboration for future programmes and initiatives ahead.
In the same vein, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has thrown its weight behind the new MARAN EXCO, pledging to lend support to the association in any manner. The Vice President of ANLCA, Prince Segun Oduntan, pledged support for the newly elected leadership of MARAN, urging the association to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and balanced reporting in the maritime sector.
Oduntan gave the assurance while receiving the President of MARAN, Onigbinde, alongside members of the association’s executive council during a courtesy visit on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
He described the emergence of the new leadership of MARAN as a major opportunity to reposition the body and restore confidence in maritime journalism.
Similarly, the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) also congratulated the newly elected executive of MARAN.
In a congratulatory message sent to Sylvanus Obasi, the MARAN Vice President, MAAN welcomed the new leadership and expressed optimism over stronger collaboration between both organizations.
The message was jointly signed by the President of MAAN, Jean Chiazor-Anishere, and its Secretary, Foluke Akinmoladun.
MAAN said it was looking forward to deepening cooperation with MARAN in advancing transparency, accountability and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
