One of the respected voices in the maritime sector of the economy and founder, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam has called on maritime journalists to be fearless in defending the truth.
He also enjoined them to remain courageous, objective, and unwavering in the pursuit of truth, stressing that sustainable reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector can only be achieved through responsible and fearless journalism.
He made the call while receiving the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) led by its President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde who paid him a courtesy visit at NAGAFF headquarters, Apapa, Lagos recently.
The veteran maritime stakeholder averred that the media occupies a strategic position in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance within the industry even as he noted that factual and constructive reporting compels policymakers and regulatory authorities to confront pressing challenges affecting the sector.
His words: “The media has a responsibility to continue highlighting the realities within the sector. Constructive reporting draws attention to problems and encourages those in authority to take corrective action.”
He maintained that meaningful development can only flourish in an environment where journalists uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, integrity, and public interest.
Reflecting on his decades of service and advocacy in the maritime industry, Aniebonam enjoined journalists and industry practitioners to embrace humility, forgiveness, and mutual respect in their professional engagements.
He cautioned against inflammatory remarks and unnecessary conflicts, describing integrity and respect as enduring values that define lasting legacies.
The NAGAFF founder also emphasized the importance of mentoring younger professionals to bridge the widening generational gap within the maritime industry. He said deliberate succession planning and knowledge transfer have become imperative as many experienced practitioners approach retirement.
Onigbinde had earlier in his opening remarks expressed appreciation to NAGAFF for its unwavering support to the association over the years.
He described the visit as an opportunity to formally introduce the newly elected executives and strengthen the longstanding relationship between both organisations.
He used the occasion to explain that NAGAFF was deliberately chosen as the first point of call because of its strategic role in Nigeria’s maritime and freight forwarding industry, noting that both organisations have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership.
Also speaking, NAGAFF National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, congratulated the new MARAN leadership and urged members to uphold professionalism, discipline, and unity.
He encouraged the executives to reconcile aggrieved members following the association’s elections while demonstrating patience, emotional maturity, and tolerance in handling criticism.
The MARAN executives also paid a courtesy visit to the National Coordinator of NAGAFF, Alhaji Tanko Muhammad who pledged his continued support for the association. He urged maritime journalists to remain transparent, balanced, and ethical in reporting developments within the industry.
