The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the appointment of Dr. Bolaji Akinola as his Adviser on Media and Communications.
Akinola, a highly respected maritime and corporate communications expert, brings over 25 years of extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to his new role.
Throughout his distinguished career, Akinola has built a strong reputation for his insightful analysis of the maritime sector and his expertise in strategic communications.
He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ships and Ports Communication Company, a leading maritime media and public relations organization.
He is also the former President, Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) the oldest umbrella body for journalists covering the maritime sector of the economy.
During his tenure as MARAN President, he made significant strides including getting a befitting well-furnished secretariat for the association at Apapa, Lagos besides making a change in the way and manner the association relates with stakeholders in the maritime industry and beyond.
He is also widely recognized for his contributions to the discourse on port reforms, maritime security, shipping development, and the broader blue economy in Nigeria.
Akinola holds a doctorate degree in Media and Communications from the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. He also holds two masters degrees. They are MBA, Lagos Business School and Master of Transport Management (MTM), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
He is a member of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN).
He served as the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) from 2011 to 2014, and is also a Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN), among others.
As the Media and Communications Adviser to Oyetola, Akinola will be responsible for shaping and managing media relations, guiding communication strategies, and ensuring effective dissemination of information regarding the Ministry’s policies, programmes, and initiatives aimed at harnessing the potentials of Nigeria’s vast marine resources.
Not a few have opined that his wealth of experience is expected to significantly enhance the Ministry’s engagement with stakeholders, the media, and the general public.
They averred that his appointment underscores Oyetola’s commitment to strengthening the Ministry’s communication framework and ensuring that the vision and achievements within the critical Marine and Blue Economy sector are clearly and effectively articulated.
Apparently pleased with his appointment, Akinola was quoted in press release obtained by Maritime Bits saying: “I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in me by the Honourable Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola. The Marine and Blue Economy is a vital frontier for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth. I am committed to deploying my expertise to effectively communicate the Honourable Minister’s vision and the Ministry’s strategic initiatives to all stakeholders and the Nigerian people. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to contributing my quota to this important national assignment.”
According to the statement, Akinola is expected to bring his characteristic professionalism and insight to bear in supporting Oyetola’s mandate to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.
