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Onyeamakara, NPA image maker, seeks responsible journalism to project Nigeria’s maritime industry  to international community.

Funso OLOJO 
The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA), Ikechukwu Onyeamakara, has admonished the Nigerian journalists in the maritime industry to embrace developmental reporting that will positively project the sector to the international community.
Onyeamakara make this admonition while he was playing host to the three- man Caretaker committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN)led by Tunde Ayodele, who paid him a courtesy visit at the NPA headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025.
Pointing to journalism and its ethics, which allows for balance, accuracy and facts, Onyeamakara urged Maritime Journalists to strictly adhere to the ethics of the profession, noting that nothing good was ever gained from negative reports.
He solicited for developmental reporting in the sector , especially now that Nigeria is gearing up for elections into the Category C seat at the International Maritime Organisation, (IMO).
The NPA chief image maker noted  that such  responsible reporting would positively project the industry in Nigeria to the outside world which he believed would garner support from global maritime  nations for Nigeria’s victory.
Onyeamakara explained that in other climes, Journalists do not project negative issues of their countries, no matter the situation, hence calling for similar attitude by Nigerian Journalists.
He however eulogized MARAN as the very first among the many Maritime Reporters Associations in the sector with a pedigree which has stood the test of time in the sector.
He explained that the NPA, in its position both locally and internationally, is more interested in whatever happens in the industry, hence welcoming the idea of a united body of all Journalists associations in maritime industry.
He stressed the need for developmental journalism among the maritime reporters which he said was crucial for the success of the new ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
” Maritime is a global industry and whatever the journalists write have a great impact on how the international community views our country.
” In other climes, journalists project the positive side of their maritime industry despite the fact that these countries too have the same challenges Nigeria has” the NPA image maker disclosed.
Onyeamakara  also pledged the NPA’s continued support for MARAN and urged the Caretaker Committee  to work assiduously at ensuring that a credible set of leaders emerges after the association elections.
” The kind of leaders your elect could make or mar the good legacies of the association.
“So you must be careful and meticulous in your choice of the next leaders of the association so that the efforts of the founding leaders of MARAN would not be jeopardized” Onyeamakara admonished.
In his response, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr Tunde Ayodele, thanked his host for the warm reception and pledged the continued support of MARAN to ensure the management of the NPA succeeds in its task of repositioning the maritime industry.
“NPA has been a long standing ally of MARAN over the years and the present caretaker committee will consolidate on the friendship which exists between the two parties through responsible reporting” Ayodele declared.
He however explained that the recent
reorganization in the association became necessary to reposition the foremost journalists body in the industry.
The Caretaker committee chairman further pledged that MARAN, as the flagship media association in the maritime industry, would continue to practise developmental journalism, adding that MARAN is open to mutually beneficial partnership with stakeholders, including government agencies in the industry in order to build a virile shipping sector.
Ayodele used the occasion to invite the NPA management to MARAN Book Launch which comes up on December 4th, 2025 in Lagos, a request to which Onyeamakara graciously acceded, promising that the agency’s management will be adequately represented.
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Maersk’s suspension of shipping operations through Strait of Hormuz raises anxiety among Nigerian importers 

Attack on vessel in the Strait of Hormuz
Funso OLOJO, with agency report
The on- going hostilies in the Middle East have continued to stifle international trade as most of the shipping companies have suspended voyage through the troubled Strait of Hormuz.
The joint attacks by the military forces of the United States of America (USA) and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the assassination of its Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei and over 40 top military officers of the Islamic country,have put a strain on shipping operations along the busy vessel route of Strait of Hormuz as the Houthis militias, who are sympathetic to Iran, have threatened to attack vessels on the route.
Strait of Hormuz accounts for one third of the world shipping passage while the route accommodates the world largest crude tankers , despite its narrow width.
As a result of the threats, which have raised safety concerns on the vessels, cargos and crews, major shipping lines have halted their operations along the route.
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has halted passage of cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons.

“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” the Danish group said in an online advisory.“The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” it said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier announced the Strait’s closure.

Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.
China, one of the biggest destinations of Nigerian importers, make use of the route for import of the crude oil from the Middle East, especially Iran and export of its manufactured goods to the developing countries, especially Nigeria.
This development has raised anxiety among Nigerian importers who expressed concerns over the implications of the disruption on the route one the cost of imports, especially from China.
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NRC hosts Rotary Club on mobile train

Gloria Odion, Reporter 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has played host to the Rotary Club of Ota by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.
The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussion centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.
The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.
A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.
His presence underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.
In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.
The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation said it was committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.
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In Malmo, Sweden, NIMASA renews capacity development partnership with WMU

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has renewed its strategic capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years.

“Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management.

“Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments.

WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration, NIMASA ,Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries.

The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement.

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