At the last count, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is concluding arrangements for the inauguration of its newly elected leadership team. The event is slated to take place on June 23, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
The inauguration with the theme “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development,” is expected to bring together key stakeholders from the maritime, shipping, logistics, security, and media sectors, and will feature discussions centered on strengthening ethical standards in maritime journalism.
While the President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino will be the Chairman of the occasion, a keynote address will be delivered by a Public Relations and events management expert, Mr. Bolaji Abimbola.
The 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), Mr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Also expected at the event are the 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.
The President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde said the event would serve as a defining moment in the association’s journey towards deepening professionalism, credibility, and responsible maritime reportage.
Olugbinde added that the new Executive Council would focus on repositioning MARAN as a stronger voice within the maritime sector, through capacity building, constructive engagement, and adherence to ethical journalism standards.
He stated further 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.
Onigbinde said, “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 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.
The inauguration ceremony will formally usher in the new leadership of MARAN, which is expected to steer the association towards greater impact and relevance in the maritime sector.
