Last Thursday peaceful leadership transition in Nigeria’s umbrella body of journalists covering the maritime sector of the economy, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has elicited excitement from the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Maritime Bits had reported that on May 7, 2026, members of MARAN had in its congress which culminated in an election elected Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde as its President for a three year tenure.
With his emergence, Onigbinde peacefully took over the reins of office from Pastor Tunde Ayodele who has been caretaker committee of the association since Mr. Godfrey Bivbere was suspended and impeached from office following the submission of reports by the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee as well as the Finance Committee that confirmed allegations of financial impropriety against him and other members of the executives.
Speaking when members of MARAN newly executives paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Marina, Lagos recently, NPA General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemachara commended MARAN for what he described as a successful and rancour-free leadership transition.
He noted that the seamless transition process within MARAN was a clear indication that the association has a strong administrative structure capable of sustaining unity and stability.
According to him, in some organizations, caretaker committees often seek tenure elongation, a development that could create further divisions and instability.
While praising MARAN for avoiding such situations and for conducting a peaceful electoral process, Onyemachara also applauded MARAN for recognizing and celebrating its past leaders, describing the gesture as a reflection of the association’s solid institutional foundation and respect for continuity.
He enjoined the newly inaugurated executives of MARAN to remain focused and continue to engage stakeholders constructively for the advancement of the maritime sector.
Onigbinde had in his earlier remarks said the purpose of the visit was to appreciate NPA for its continued support to MARAN over the years and to seek further collaboration for the association’s future programmes and initiatives.
Apart from Onigbinde, other members of the seven member executives are Mr. Sylvanus Obasi as Vice President, and Mr. Fabian Anawo as Secretary, and Ms. Amina Ojelabi as Assistant Secretary.
Others are Ruth Sunday as Treasurer, Ambrose Okehi as Financial Secretary, and Providence Ayanfeoluwa as Public Relations Officer.
