The former Acting National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto has tasked journalists on the ills plaguing the maritime sector of the economy.
Describing the maritime sector of the economy as “dying and in dire need of revival”, he enjoined them to rise to the challenge of rejuvenating it.
Farinto stated this during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in his office in Lagos recently.
He averred that the press must wake the sector from its slumber to ensure its sustainable development.
Farinto noted that maritime reporters had once been vibrant but had since drifted into complacency. “From item seven, they migrated and started snoring.”
He enjoined the maritime media to return to their watchdog role even as he pointed out that criticism is essential for progress, as it helps leaders know whether they are “sitting well or not.”
He insisted that any leader who resists criticism is not a true leader.
Citing President Bola Tinubu’s earlier statement that he welcomes criticism and will use it to improve governance, Farinto said such openness should be the hallmark of leadership.
According to him, he recalled a personal encounter with Tinubu in Abuja where the President described himself as ‘a thinker and a doer.’ This philosophy should guide MARAN executives in the maritime sector. History will ultimately judge their actions.
The ANLCA chieftain also drew from his academic experience, referencing lessons from his master’s programme where he was taught that true thinkers must go beyond rhetoric to practical solutions.
He enjoined the stakeholders to embrace deep reflection and decisive action, warning that without bold leadership and constructive criticism, the maritime industry risks further decline.
Farinto’s words: “Now, you must make a change and the first thing you have to do is to wake the industry from the slumber. I did mention that the maritime journalists were on item seven. From item seven, they migrated and started snoring.
“Make news, the industry is dying. It is part of criticism that you bring out issues. If you do not criticize, you would not be able to know whether you are sitting well or not. If a leader does not want to be criticized, he is not a leader. Are you telling me it is when you perform that you will be able to lick the oil that is coming to your hands? But when you are stagnant, you make everyone stagnate.
“If you do not want to offend, you end up offending yourself. Because history will judge you. If your tenure is three, four years, it will look as if it is long. My advice for you is to rejuvenate the industry. Wake the maritime industry from slumber, and bring in innovations.
“You have been elected and the mandate has been given to you. Represent the industry well. If you must step on toes, step on toes. But if you say, I do not want to offend, you end up offending yourself, and I do not want you to offend yourself”.
The President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde on his part commended Farinto for his contributions to the industry in driving the economy.
While describing Farinto as a dogged fighter and a go-getter, he stated he is a man who when he wants to get what he wants, he does not care, he will tell you to your face.
According to him, I believe that God has helped him so much. Through him, he has helped push ANLCA to greater height.
Also speaking, the former National Secretary of ANLCA, Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila enjoined the new MARAN executives to consult widely and open their doors for advice, consultation, and suggestions.
His words: “I encourage you and the executive to keep the flag flying. There are so many things that need to be done. I would advise that you hit the ground running. Consult widely and open your door for advice, for consultation and suggestions.”
