Apparently not pleased with the poor state of things among journalists covering the maritime sector of the economy, the former National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu has called for an endowment fund to adequately take care of their welfare.
Expressing sadness in the number of maritime journalists that have lost their lives or found themselves in very unfortunate circumstances such as prolong infirmities and diseases over the years, Shittu averred that endowment fund must be given a desired attention in the days ahead.
Shittu who was also a one-time Publicity Secretary of ANLCA stated this at the just concluded annual general meeting (AGM) of the League of Maritime Editors (LOME) which took place recently at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
His words: “May I also seize this opportunity for us as critical stakeholders to initiate moves for the establishment of an endowment fund for welfare of maritime journalists. I am aware that we have recently lost a handful of our members. Do not forget that as a former Publicity Secretary of ANLCA, I am also a gentleman of the press”.
While calling on participants at the LOME AGM to rise up for a minute silence in the honour of maritime journalists that have lost their lives in recent times, Shittu who is also a patron of the association revealed that he would be glad to be invited to a forum for the formal launching of the endowment fund for the welfare of maritime journalists in the shortest possible time.
Shittu who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Skelas Group congratulated LOME for its successful AGM that culminated in the election of the first ever female president of the association, Mrs. Remi Itie.
“Let me congratulate my in-law and sister, Remi Itie and other contestants who emerge victorious at the keenly contested elections last night. We are happy that the elections were held in the most peaceful manner. I want to urge those who won to be magnanimous in victory. I urge Remi Itie and other members of the executives to stretch their hands of fellowship to other contestants in the overall interest of the League. Once again, accept my congratulations”, he said.
Shittu whose speech was read on his behalf by the doyen of the maritime media, Elder Asu Beks enjoined members of LOME to use the occasion of the AGM to take stock on how the association has fared in the past 25 years.
In a series of rhetoric questions, the former ANLCA National President who recorded several strides during his tenure including the building of ANLCA corporate secretariat, Dikko House, in Lagos urged members of the association to embark on a journey of retrospection on how it has fared in over two decades.
His words: “Has the League achieved the dreams of its founding fathers? Has the welfare of maritime journalists better than the likes of Remi Itie met it over 30 years ago? Has the industry made considerable progression? Are the fortunes of Nigerian ship owners and other stakeholders better today than it was 30 years ago? As a patron of this association, it will be very difficult for me to admit here that the flourishing industry we met several years ago has made any progression. This is because those of us who find ourselves in leadership position have failed to provide quality guidance. I urge you as members of the fourth estate of the realm to up your game by calling on those in leadership positions to be accountable. The media should be less partisan and rise up to their responsibilities at all times”.
He expressed sadness over the proliferation of media associations in the maritime industry pointing out that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
According to him, as a group made up of pioneers of maritime journalism in Nigeria, I urge the League to initiate the unification project. That is only way the welfare of members can be better protected.
