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Edward Osagie, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, Muyiwa Akande emerge finalists at 2025 National spokesperson award

Funso OLOJO

Three outstanding spokespersons in the maritime industry were among the 62 finalists who have been shortlisted  for recognition across 21 competitive categories in the 2025 edition of the ‘National Spokespersons’ Awards’ (NSAwards).
The three top performers in the maritime industry who will slog it out among the 62 finalists for the diadem are Messr Edward Osagie, the Head of Pubic Relations Department of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication Department of the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) and Muyiwa Akande, Head of Public Relations unit of Sifax Group.
These three super spokespersons fought their way through to the final that will hold on April 16th, 2025 in Abuja.
Osagie of NIMASA emerged a finalist in three categories which include Spokesperson of the year which happens to be the lead category, Outstanding spokesperson (crisis management – pubic sector) and Marine and Blue economy sector.
Olumuyiwa Akande also featured as a finalist in two categories such as Spokesperson of the year category and Marine and Blue Economy sector.
Onyemekara of NPA features as a finalist in the Marine and Blue economy sector.
The finalists for the Award were  announced by the adjudication committee led by Dr. Shuaibu Husseini.
The National Spokesperson Awards which is in its fifth edition, was previously known and held as the Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA).
The award recognises excellence and
professionalism in public communications across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

The NSAwards serve as a prestigious platform celebrating excellence, innovation, and professionalism in public communication across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.This year’s ceremony which doubles  as the grand finale of the 2025 ‘National Spokespersons’ Summit’, will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

The event is a product of a strategic partnership between the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of ‘PRNigeria’ and ‘Spokespersons’ Digest’.

Finalists emerged from a broad spectrum of institutions, agencies, and private sector organisations.

In the headline category of “Spokesperson of the Year,” five leading professionals will contest the top prize: ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force, Igo Weli of Shell Petroleum, Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olumuyiwa Akande of Sifax Group, and Osagie Edward Omoruyi of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The “Outstanding Government Spokesperson (Federal)” category features Bayo Onanuga of the Presidency, Dele Oyewale of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

At the state level, “Outstanding Government Spokesperson (State)” nominees include Abdullah Abdulkadir of Edo State, Ismail Isah of Kogi State, and Ismaila Uba Misili of Gombe State.

For “Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson,” the finalists are Dr. Jossy Nkwocha of Indorama Eleme Petrochemical, Rafiat Gawat of Tropical General Investment, and Sade Morgan of Nigerian Breweries.

In the “Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services)” category, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi is joined by DCC Abubakar Danlami of the Nigerian Correctional Service and Femi Babafemi of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Igo Weli of Shell Petroleum, Stanley Olisa of Helpster US Inc., and Viola Graham Douglas of Lafarge will compete for the award of “Most Innovative Spokesperson (Multilateral/Multinational).”

The “Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector)” category features Amaechi Okobi of Access Holdings, Hakama Sidi-Ali of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Mabel Adeteye of Wema Bank. At the same time, in the Insurance Sector, Olusakin Labeodan of Leadway Assurance and Rotimi Aleshinloye of AIICO Insurance are the two finalists.

In the field of crisis communication, “Outstanding Spokesperson (Crisis Management – Public Sector)” will see a contest between ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Manzo Ezekiel of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Osagie Edward Omoruyi of NIMASA.

For the private sector version of the same category, Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya of CMC Connect and Emmanuel Osedebamen of Julius Berger are the contenders.

In the Health Sector, nominees include Chief Moji Makanjuola of Ranlal Global Services, Cyril Monye of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Remi Adeleke of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

The Education Sector category includes Dr. Habib Yakoob of the University of Abuja, Dr. Fabian Benjamin of JAMB, and Lukman Temitope Omoniyi of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

Hadiza Umar of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Olusegun Ayeoyenikan of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Reuben Mouka of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will compete in the Digital Economy category.

In the growing Marine and Blue Economy sector, finalists include Ikechukwu Onyemekara of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olumuyiwa Akande of Sifax Group, and Osagie Edward Omoruyi of NIMASA.

For “Distinguished Spokesperson (Power Sector),” Babatunde Lasaki of Eko Disco, Hajiya Nusrat Wali of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and Ndidi Mbah of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will battle for recognition.

Christoph Schleissing of Lagos Continental Hotel and Niyi Aderibigbe of Transcorp Hotels will vie for honours in the Hospitality Sector category, while Chinedu Ukadike of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Igo Weli of Shell Petroleum, and Olufemi Soneye of NNPCL are shortlisted under “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas).”

In the “Most Influential Corporate Voice” category, industry giants Air Peace, Dangote, and Julius Berger are set to compete.

Team excellence is also recognised, with the “Best Corporate Spokesperson Team” category featuring the Conference of PR Professionals in Tertiary Institutions, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Customs Service.

In leadership categories, “Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector)” includes Kashifu Inuwa of NITDA, Khalil Suleiman Halilu of NASENI, and Mohammed Buba Marwa of NDLEA. Their private sector counterparts are Ayodeji Razak of Red Media Africa, Lolu Adebiyi-Akinyemi of Lafarge, and Allen Onyema of Air Peace.

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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.
In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation  and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.
The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .
The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
 Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.
The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.
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Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of  blue economy

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.
However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their
adherence to international standards.
The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.
 These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.
Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.
Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.
Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.
 As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.
Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.
Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.
If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.
Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.
Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.
Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.
That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the  UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures
This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.
That is why the  government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN),  Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre  for maritime education and professional development.
Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
 Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.
From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.
 It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.
In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.
 By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
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