All is now set for the celebration of erstwhile Presidents of the umbrella body of journalists covering the maritime sector of the economy, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
This is coming on the heels of intense preparations to host the former MARAN Presidents in a grand reception in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos next month.
Regarded in many quarters as a novel idea and the first of its kind in the maritime industry, MARAN in a statement made available to Maritime Bits, said its decision to organize the event was meant to celebrate its past presidents whose sweats, dedication and sacrifices have contributed immensely to the transformation of the association into a colossus in maritime journalism.
Giving reason for the event, it said it is a rare display of appreciation to these heroes of the association that is the progenitor and forerunner of maritime journalists’ associations.
It maintained that members of the association have agreed that the labour of these fine gentlemen will not go unrewarded.
Signed by Chairman, MARAN Caretaker Committee, Pastor Tunde Ayodele and the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Funso Olojo, the association stated that its past leaders will be showcased and celebrated in a lavish ceremony billed for Rockview Hotel, Apapa on April 24th, 2026 by 3:00 pm.
According to the statement, invitations have been extended to all the friends, associates and well-wishers of the celebrants to come and share in this epoch- making event.
It expressed sadness over the loss of four of the association’s past leaders but stated that they will be given posthumous awards for their contributions to the association.
The statement quoted Ayodele saying that as a result of this development, the family members of the deceased have been invited to grace the occasion.
“As an organization which values the contributions of its leaders, MARAN is celebrating its past Presidents for their vision, passion, zeal, tenacity of purpose, sacrifices, resilience and persistence in the face of adversity and daunting challenges that have shaped the association into the foremost and formidable group of Journalists in the maritime industry”, Ayodele declared.
According to Ayodele, the coming event is coming at the appropriate time when one of our past Presidents, Dr. Bolaji Akinola gained ascendency in his professional career, when he was appointed as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.
He averred that career advancement of Akinola gladdens the hearts of MARAN members for being one of the past presidents of this great association.
The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of MARAN maintained that there is not a better platform than this event to show appreciation to Oyetola for finding one of our own worthy as one of his special aides.
