Headlines

CRFFN Chair, Abubakar Tsanni, felicitates with Sambo, Adegoroye over new appointments

Eyewitness reporter

The Chairman, Governing Board of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding Practice in Nigeria ( CRFFN), Abubakar Tsanni, has joined the legion of well-wishers to celebrate the redeployment of Alhaji Mu’azuJaji Sambo to the ministry of transportation as the supervising Minister.

Similarly, the CRFFN boss extended his best wishes to Mr. Ademola Adewole Adegoroye as the new minister of state in the Ministry of Transportation

In his congratulatory message signed by Muftahu Ya’u, the Chairman Committee on Government Inter-Agencies, Media and Public Relations of the Council, Alhaji Tsanni lauded the decision of President Mohammed Buhari over the redeployment of Alhaji Sambo and the appointment of Adegoroye to the ministry of transportation.

According to the CRFFN chairman, Alhaji Sambo was a round peg in a round hole as the Minister of Transportation as he is not new to the industry, coming with a rich background in maritime administration as a former Area Manager of Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Alhaji Tsanni also described the new Minister as an experienced, patriot and hardworking administrator.

“Let me begin by thanking President Muhammad Buhari for the appointment of Alhaji Mu’azu Jaji Sambo to the Ministry of Transportation at a time when the Ministry is in need of a competent, experienced and patriotic leader who shall continue to execute various developmental projects already started by the current administration of President Muhammad Buhari.

“With you as Minister, we clearly see more hope and progress coming to the Ministry.

“We at CRFFN, therefore, congratulate and welcome you to your new office and the Council is ever ready to work hand in hand with you for the success of President Buhari administration’s development agenda for the Transport Sector.

“I pray that God will continue to grant you the wisdom and guidance to keep on with your well-known and well-cherished character of giving your best to the nation and humanity,” Alhaji Tsanni said.

It could be recalled that Alhaji Sambo was newly redeployed from the Ministry of Works and Housing where he was a junior Minister to take over as the substantive Minister of Transportation.

He took over from Rotimi Amaechi, who resigned his appointment to pursue his failed presidential ambition.

Headlines

NPA applauds MARAN for peaceful leadership transition, pledges support

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

‎

‎The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commended the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for conducting a peaceful and successful leadership transition, describing the process as a reflection of the association’s strong institutional framework.

‎

‎The General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy of the NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemachara, gave the commendation when the newly elected Executive Committee of MARAN paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

‎

‎Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Onyemachara noted that the seamless transition within the association demonstrated administrative maturity and a commitment to unity and stability.

‎

‎He observed that in some organisations, caretaker committees often seek tenure extensions,a situation that could trigger internal divisions and instability.

He, however, praised MARAN for avoiding such challenges by ensuring a transparent and rancour free electoral process.

‎

‎The NPA spokesperson also lauded the association for recognising and honouring its past leaders, describing the gesture as evidence of MARAN’s respect for continuity and institutional development.

‎

‎Mr. Onyemachara further urged the newly elected Executive Committee, led by MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, to remain focused and sustain constructive engagement with stakeholders to support the growth of the maritime sector.

He however pledged the support and collaboration of the agency with the association

‎

‎Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Onigbinde stated that the visit was aimed at appreciating the Nigerian Ports Authority for its longstanding support to MARAN and to seek continued collaboration for the association’s programmes and initiatives.

‎

‎It would be recalled that MARAN conducted its election on May 7, 2026, producing a seven-member Executive Committee.

Headlines

The rise and transition to glory of NPA’s Paul (Texas) Erakhifu

Tribute by Ikechukwu Onyemekara

GM Corporate Affairs, NPA

From humble beginnings at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was employed on October 17th 1994 (same month of his birth) as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu popularly known as “Texas” by dint of diligence, determination, discipline and desire, rose to the defining role of senior staff Grade Level 13 in a career marked by sterling contributions and indelible impact till his return to his maker on Friday 1st May, 2026.

Although we cannot determine our appointed date of birth and death, we definitely can determine how we want to be remembered.

Texas by his uncommon commitment to his craft (photography) and his contagious sense of humor which he generously doled out to all who came in contact with him, definitely and intentionally set out to be remembered for good.

Looking back, it is plausible that with his popular refrain “you have made my day” and “powerful” which were his default response to most of those who encountered him on and off duty, late Texas was informing us that he would make his days on earth powerful, which he did with grace and honor as can be gleaned from his professional and career trajectory.

Not one to squander opportunities for career growth and personal development, Texas proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in the year 2005, Master Degree in International Relations in 2012 and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication.

Poised to get ahead and be equal to the exigency of his chosen craft, Texas trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television and the Texas School of Photography USA in fulfillment of his lifelong admiration for the American city of Texas for which he adopted the sobriquet “TEXAS”.

The life and times of Texas validated the Biblical truism that “that a man diligent in his business shall stand before kings and not mean men”.

Indeed, Texas was diligent in his business and stood before kings both in Nigeria and Internationally as he was widely travelled for high level official engagements in company of various chief executives of the Authority to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea, South Africa, amongst others.

Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum so wide and difficult to fill, we will take solace in the immortal words of James Wrubel that “no one truly dies who is remembered”.

We continue to remember and celebrate his good deeds, exceptional sense of humor and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge evidenced his authorship of two books with which he lighted paths and lightened burdens.

Headlines

Yinka Onigbinde election as MARAN president excites SIFAX Group

– pledges support for his administration

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The SIFAX Group has congratulated Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde on his election as the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).

The Group described his emergence as a reflection of his professionalism and dedication to maritime journalism.

The congratulatory message was conveyed in a formal letter signed by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, on behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of the conglomerate.

In the letter, Dr. Afolabi described Mr. Onigbinde’s election as well-deserved, noting that his consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years had earned him the confidence of his colleagues.

“Your emergence as the President is proof of your professionalism, dedication, and consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years,” Afolabi stated.

Afolabi expressed confidence that the association would continue to advance the ideals of professionalism, ethical journalism, unity, and constructive engagement within the maritime sector under Onigbinde’s leadership.

He further noted that the new president’s tenure was expected to strengthen the media’s role as a vital partner in the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Afolabi, who serves as Patron of MARAN, assured Onigbinde of his goodwill and support as the new president works towards advancing the association, while wishing him wisdom, strength, and outstanding success in the discharge of his duties.