By Sandra Chukwunyere
A Master mariner and former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; pioneer President of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and Chairman of Starzs Group, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; and former National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Chief Executive Officer of Skellas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, are among key stakeholders in the maritime sector who have confirmed their attendance at the much-anticipated reception for past Presidents of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
The reception, scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to attract leading figures in the maritime industry, as more stakeholders continue to signal interest in attending the event.
The event is designed to honour former Presidents of MARAN for their invaluable contributions to the leadership and growth of the association, the umbrella body for journalists covering Nigeria’s maritime sector.
In addition to these prominent stakeholders, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, have also indicated their readiness to grace the occasion.
Corporate organisations and industry groups are equally expected to attend the event, which is shaping up to be a major gathering of stakeholders from across the maritime ecosystem.
MARAN, which was founded 38 years ago, said in a statement that it has concluded arrangements for the grand reception in honour of its distinguished past presidents.
Describing the event as a landmark initiative aimed at celebrating leadership, service, and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry, the association stated:
“Following weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagement, the association confirms that it has finalised arrangements for the high-profile ceremony, with overwhelming support and positive responses already recorded from key players across the maritime sector.
“The event, which promises to bring together industry leaders, 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.”
According to the statement, signed by the Chairman of MARAN Caretaker Committee, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Funsho Olojo, 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 sector.
Ayodele noted that the event would also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernisation.
On his part, Olojo said the strong interest shown by stakeholders underscores the importance of the event to the wider maritime community.
Providing further insight, Olojo, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of MARAN, described the reception as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work, and quality leadership.
“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 one of the most respected beat associations in the maritime industry.
“It is also encouraging that many of these past leaders are excelling in their various endeavours—some in ministry work, others in the legal profession, while some have become media entrepreneurs and employers of labour, and others serve as political appointees.
“This reception will provide an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and rising profiles,” he said.
The event is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions aimed at fostering deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As preparations gather momentum, MARAN has called on industry stakeholders, corporate organisations, and well-meaning individuals to support the event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN remains the foremost maritime journalists’ beat association in Nigeria, with its International Press Centre (IPC) located at its secretariat in GRA, Apapa, Lagos.
The association is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
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