The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has hailed the appointment of Dr. Charles Okaga as Technical Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.
Describing the appointment as a “square peg in a square hole”, the association which remains the umbrella body for journalists covering the maritime industry, in a statement signed by its President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere harped on Okaga’s pedigree which he has displayed in all the positions he had occupied over the years.
According to Bivbere, his days as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) General Manager, Operations were marked with significant contributions to the maritime and export sub-sectors.
While noting that the appointee brought innovations in the management of ports resulting in improved cargo operations, he expressed hope that Okaga in his capacity as the Technical Adviser will result in policies and actionable plans that would further boost Nigeria’s potentials in the maritime sector of the economy.
He also expressed confidence that Okaga’s appointment will position Nigeria for increased competition on the global stage.
“The appointment of Okaga as the Technical Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola is quite commendable and MARAN congratulates him. He brought innovations in port management that yielded incredible transformation and excellence in cargo handling.
“His dexterity on the job indeed remains indelible, and as we extend our heartfelt congratulations, it is our prayer that he brings the same wealth of experience on his new appointment. We are confident that this very appointment will bring policies that would aid the country’s competitiveness with other maritime nations of the world. All these, we hope will culminate in a boost in the revenue contribution of the industry to the economy, in line with President Tinubu’s economic agenda”, he said.
He promised that MARAN as the foremost maritime media beat association of 35 years will lend its support to Okaga to enable him excel in his new position in the ministry.
