*Seeks Support to Maintain Momentum of Global Feat
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has acknowledged the invaluable support and contributions of Nigerian journalists, especially the maritime media, to the recent success of Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections.
Maritime Bits had reported that Nigeria won the elusive category C council election at IMO headquarters, London, United Kingdom, after 14 years of failed attempts.
NIMASA Head of the Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie stated this when he received the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) led by its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Pastor Tunde Ayodele at the agency corporate headquarters in Lagos recently.
Osagie noted that the maritime media complemented the untiring efforts of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the agency to showcase the enormous maritime potential of Nigeria and its capacity in maritime administration that eventually won the country the coveted global seat.
The NIMASA spokesman highlighted the importance of developmental journalism to nation’s building while admonishing the media, especially maritime media, against reportorial style that could de-market the country.
His words: “The international community is taking note of every single report we write as journalists about the country and it is what they use to assess us as a nation. That is why it is imperative for us as journalists to allow patriotism and commitment to nation building guide the way we write.”
He however frowned at attempt by few journalists to push wrong narrative over the recent incident of the arrest of a vessel, MT SKIPPER detained by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) over alleged crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.
Osagie reiterated the fact that the detained vessel was neither flying Nigerian flag nor its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.
He explained that what identifies a vessel is the flag it flies and since the detained vessel did not carry Nigeria’s flag, those who tried to ascribe its ownership to Nigeria did so either out of sheer mischief or ignorance.
Osagie however lauded MARAN for its responsible journalism, acknowledging the support of its members to NIMASA despite the agency’s perceived shortcoming in their expectations.
According to him, despite the fact that the agency may not have met all the expectations of members of MARAN, they have not written negative reports on our activities and operations. MARAN brand is a brand I am proud of and we are also proud of in the industry. MARAN has not done badly in its reportorial duties. At NIMASA here, we will support anything you request and in any area we are able to support. We will support the administration for a smooth management of the association. And by the grace of God, we will not let you down. God bless you. God bless MARAN.
The agency spokesperson expressed his gratitude and that of his team to the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola for his support and encouragement which he said made his job easier as the head of the PR unit.
“I want to appreciate the DG for his support and role in making my job as the Head of PR unit of NIMASA stress-free. There is hardly any request for the welfare of journalists that I present to him which he ignores. Through his favourable disposition to anything that concerns journalists, he has shown undisguised passion and commitment to the capacity development and welfare of maritime journalists”, he said.
Ayodele has led his caretaker committee members to NIMASA to consolidate on the long-standing relationship between the agency and MARAN.
Leading his PR team to receive the MARAN leadership, Osagie expressed happiness on the visit which he believed will further boost the cordial relationship between the two parties
“I am glad that you are here today. It is a special day. I am glad to have you in our midst today” Osagie enthused.
The two parties engaged in frank discussion aimed at enhancing their operations and further boost their shared values and partnership.
Ayodele informed his hosts that MARAN will continue to practice responsible journalism that will enhance the operations of NIMASA in particular and boost the credibility of the country to the outside world.
He enjoined NIMASA to reciprocate this gesture through action that will enhance the professional integrity and impact the welfare of his members.
Osagie however pledged the support of the agency for the new caretaker committee and the MARAN as a whole, a situation he said is in alignment with the belief of NIMASA’s management in the values which the agency shares with the association.
