By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has announced significant progress in preparations for its forthcoming special reception in honour of its distinguished past presidents-landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service, and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
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Following weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the association confirms that arrangements for the high-profile ceremony have reached an advanced stage, with overwhelming support and positive responses already recorded from key players across the maritime sector.
The event, which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of the association but also to reinforce the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.
MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele, speaking on the development, noted that the reception will serve as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
He added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization efforts.
According to the Chairman, Planning Committee, Mr. Funso Olojo, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as heads of key maritime agencies, have indicated strong interest in attending the event.
Several corporate organizations and industry groups have also signified their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its importance to the wider maritime community.
Mr Olojo, while giving an overview of the event, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work, and quality leadership of MARAN past leaders.
“MARAN, as the progenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced some of the finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.
“They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellect to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
” More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavours.
” Some are excelling as Ministers of God in His vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
” It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles” Mr Olojo declared.
The reception, which will be held on April 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN is the foremost maritime journalists beat association, and a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
