It is official as the erstwhile National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu has been nominated as the Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC) International Peace Advocate.
His nomination as an International Peace Advocate reflects his longstanding commitment to resolving disputes and promoting unity within the maritime sector. Established in 2001 and affiliated with the United Nations (UN), UN-POLAC was founded following the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of 2001–2010 as the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence.
UN-POLAC mandate aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO’s culture of peace initiatives, with strong emphasis on peace, security and the restoration of human dignity.
The nomination of Shittu who is widely regarded as a respected leader in the maritime sector of the economy, mediator and business executive was in recognition of his outstanding contributions to peace building and industry development.
He will be formally conferred during a special investiture ceremony scheduled for April 29, 2026, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos to mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.
As a two-time President of ANLCA and Chairman, Skelas Group, Shittu is widely respected as a mediator between conflicting parties in the Nigerian maritime industry.
His leadership role as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA) has further strengthened his reputation as a unifying figure within the sector.
According to the trustees of UN-POLAC, the appointment recognizes Shittu’s integrity, dedication to community service and consistent efforts to promote social harmony, peaceful coexistence and cooperation among diverse groups.
It noted that his leadership and conflict-resolution efforts have made him a role model in peace advocacy and industry development.
Among other things, the position comes with several prestigious benefits. These include a UN-POLAC certificate of appointment/award, an international identity card, and investiture apparel.
Others are a flag of authority to be hoisted at a location of his choice, and a special vehicle number plate in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
In his role as an International Peace Advocate, Shittu may be called upon to participate in peace-building initiatives, mediation efforts and programmes aimed at promoting positive living in line with global best practices.
The annual investiture ceremony serves as a platform for recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to peace, leadership and community development.
This year’s event is expected to attract key stakeholders from the maritime industry and other sectors of the economy.
In a letter of nomination signed by the Director-General of UN-POLAC, Professor Halo B. Eton, the organisation conveyed its warm congratulations to Shittu, describing the appointment as a well-deserved honour in recognition of his enduring contributions to peace and distinguished leadership in the Nigerian maritime sector.
Apparently pleased with the nomination, the former National President, ANLCA expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing peace and unity.
His words: “I sincerely appreciate Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC) for this distinguished honour. I accept this appointment with deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility to further advance peace, unity and constructive dialogue within the maritime sector and the wider society. I remain fully committed to promoting harmony, mutual respect and sustainable development, while supporting initiatives that foster cooperation, stability and the collective progress of our nation and the global community.”
