MARAN to Swear in New Executives, Vows to Elevate Standards of Maritime Journalism

By Ramadan AbusiOdumare

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has concluded arrangements for the inauguration of its newly elected Executive Council, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.

The high-profile event is expected to bring together key stakeholders from the maritime, shipping, logistics, security, and media sectors, and will feature discussions centered on strengthening ethical standards in maritime journalism.

The theme of the inauguration is: “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.”

The Chairman of the occasion is Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), while the keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, a leading public relations and event management expert.

Special Guests of Honour expected at the event include the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Also expected are chief executives of maritime agencies, captains of industry, leaders of maritime associations, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders across the maritime value chain.

Speaking ahead of the inauguration, the President of MARAN, Com. Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s journey towards deepening professionalism, credibility, and responsible maritime reportage.

According to him, the new executive council will focus on repositioning MARAN as a stronger voice within the maritime sector through capacity building, constructive engagement, and adherence to ethical journalism standards, saying that the theme of the event underscores the indispensable role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

“The maritime industry is central to Nigeria’s economic growth, and ethical journalism remains a vital instrument for ensuring that developments within the sector are accurately reported and constructively engaged,” he stated.

Onigbinde also called on government agencies, industry operators, and media practitioners to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime journalism and advancing the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
The inauguration ceremony will formally usher in the new leadership of MARAN, which is expected to steer the association towards greater impact and relevance in the maritime sector.