Master mariner and erstwhile Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; pioneer President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and Chairman, Starzs Group, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; former National President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Skellas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu are among key stakeholders in the maritime sector of the economy that have given their nod to attend the much awaited reception of past Presidents of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
The reception which is scheduled to take place this Friday, April 24, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos is expected to be a melting point of who is who in the maritime industry as more and more stakeholders indicate interest to attend the event.
The event is meant to honour erstwhile Presidents of MARAN for their invaluable inputs in the leadership of the umbrella body for journalists covering the maritime sector of the economy.
Besides these key stakeholders, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the ones under the purview of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy have all indicated interest to grace the occasion.
Also expected to attend the event which is expected to be a rallying point for dignitaries from all walks of life are several corporate organizations and industry groups.
MARAN which was established over three decades ago had in a statement made available to Maritime Bits announced that it has made what it called “significant progress” in preparations for its forthcoming special reception in honour of its distinguished past presidents.
Describing it as a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry, it said: “Following weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the association confirms that arrangements for the high-profile ceremony have reached an advanced stage, with overwhelming support and positive responses already recorded from key players across the maritime sector.
“The event, which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of the association but also to reinforce the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth”.
According to the statement which was signed by Chairman, MARAN Caretaker Committee, Tunde Ayodele and Chairman, Planning Committee, Mr. Funsho Olojo, the reception will serve as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
The statement quoted Ayodele saying that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization efforts.
On his part, Olojo averred that the willingness of stakeholders to support and attend the event underscores its importance to the wider maritime community.
While giving an overview of the event, he declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work, and quality leadership of MARAN past leaders.
“MARAN as the progenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association. They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellects to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
“More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavours. Some are excelling as Ministers of God in the Lord’s vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, and some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees. It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles,” he added.
Giving an insight into the programme for the reception, MARAN said the event is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
According to it, as the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN remains the foremost maritime journalists beat association with an International Press Centre (IPC) situated at its secretariat in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Apapa, Lagos. It is also a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
