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MARAN pulls industry’s stakeholders to unveil its iconic book on Maritime industry.

Funso OLOJO 
The cream of stakeholders in the maritime industry converged on  Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 to witness a momentous event when the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) unveiled its landmark book on 50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
The book, which is in volumes, chronicles the contributions and achievements of outstanding persons and institutions to the maritime industry.
Presiding over the event amidst pomp and peagetry, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, former Minister of Ministry of Interior, described the gathering as a defining moment for a sector he said remains one of Nigeria’s most powerful but underutilised economic engines.
He noted that the maritime industry continues to play a central role in trade facilitation, job creation and national revenue generation, stressing that its true potential is only beginning to unfold.
According to him, the theme of the conference was crafted to spotlight the institutions, policies, innovations and personalities shaping the present and future of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Ihenacho said over the course of the engagement, attention would be focused on port modernisation, infrastructure development, maritime security and environmental sustainability.
Tracing the sector’s history, he recalled landmark milestones such as the establishment of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) in 1959, the Nigerian Maritime Authority (NMA) in 1988 and the birth of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2007.
He also identified the Cabotage Act as a defining policy shift that strengthened indigenous participation in coastal shipping and maritime commerce.
Beyond local reforms, the chairman of the occasion drew attention to Nigeria’s growing relevance within global maritime and trade frameworks.
He highlighted the Maritime Silk Road as a major pillar of China’s Belt and Road Initiative designed to strengthen connectivity, infrastructure and maritime trade across regions.
According to him, Nigeria’s entry into the China–Nigeria Economic Corridor in 2016 has already opened doors to fresh investment flows in infrastructure, energy and logistics.
On the continental front, Ihenacho described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historic economic game changer for Nigeria and the wider African economy.
With access to a market of over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of about 3.4 trillion dollars, he said Nigerian businesses now stand at the threshold of unprecedented expansion.
He warned, however, that infrastructure gaps, bureaucratic bottlenecks and skills shortages could limit these opportunities if not urgently addressed.
Iheanacho urged stakeholders to use the conference to reposition Nigeria within the global maritime value chain and unlock fresh pathways for trade and investment.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, described the launch of the book, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy,” as a historic milestone for the industry.
He said the publication stands as a tribute to the men and institutions whose commitment, vision and reforms have shaped the nation’s maritime landscape.
Akutah represented by Assistant Director of Operations, Mrs. Juliana Saka, noted that the Shippers’ Council, as port economic regulator, remained committed to driving efficiency, transparency, cost effectiveness and competitiveness across Nigeria’s port system.
He stressed that maritime journalism plays a powerful role in shaping policy conversations, exposing industry inefficiencies and promoting accountability.
According to him, Nigeria’s blue economy also holds vast potentials in fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy and marine biotechnology if properly harnessed.
“In her review of the publication, former SERVICOM General Manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs. Carol Ufere, said the book offers research-driven insights into ministries, agencies, industry leaders, reforms, and policy directions shaping Nigeria’s blue economy. She highlighted its focus on governance, innovation, digitalisation, security architecture, and institutional strengthening.
According to her, the chapters examine the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), NPA, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Railway Authority, and other critical institutions, while showcasing achievements, challenges, and reforms needed to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.
Also speaking, former NSC Executive Secretary, Mr. Hassan Bello in his goodwill message, described the celebration as timely, given the sector’s over 60 years of steady progress.
He noted that Nigeria’s maritime economy remains central to national growth.
“All generations must unite to support and preserve the sector, honour past contributors, and work together for continued success,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman , Caretaker committee of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Tunde Ayodele said that the book project took two years of intense research, documentation and industry consultations.
He said the publication profiles outstanding individuals, private sector organisations, government agencies and unions that have driven reforms and growth in the sector.
MARAN Caretaker committee chairman described the book as a vital reference material for policymakers, scholars, investors and students seeking to understand the evolution of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Ayodele added that subsequent editions would capture more veterans and emerging young professionals contributing to the maritime industry.
He described the launch as a historic moment for the maritime media community and the broader sector, expressing appreciation to all who attended.
“Developed through extensive research, the book highlights outstanding leaders, private organisations, and agencies whose collective efforts drive reforms, innovation, and sectoral growth,” he said.
 “This first edition also recognises emerging talents and future contributors to
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IWD: SIFAX distributes 500 food packs to Ijora community, empowers staff 

Geraldine Samuel, Senior Correspondent 
In a series of impactful activities spanning a school outreach, an employee empowerment webinar and a community food donation drive, SIFAX Group has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a multi-pronged initiative that touched the lives of hundreds of girls, women employees and vulnerable residents in Lagos.
One of the highlights of the celebration was an outreach programme to United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos, where over 500 girls received mentorship from senior female employees of the company.
 The session covered topics such as leadership, education, personal development and menstrual health awareness.
There was also a donation of textbooks to the school, menstrual pads, as well as perfumes to the students.
The speakers drew from personal career experiences to motivate the students, urging them to remain focused on their education and resist distractions.
 They emphasised that determination and discipline could open doors across any field — from business and law to medicine, technology and the creative industries.
Jesuyemisi Odeyemi, Company Secretary and Legal Head of SIFAX Group, charged the students to strive for excellence without reservation.
 “You are strong. You can do it, and you will. You will not only do it, but you will also do it well, you will do it better,” she told the girls.
Vanessa Uansohia, Head of Corporate Communications at Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), SIFAX Group’s aviation arm, also challenged the students to confront self-limiting beliefs.
 “The only person that is stopping you is yourself,” she said, encouraging the girls to pursue their ambitions with bold confidence.
As part of internal activities to mark the day, the company also organised an interactive webinar for female employees focused on strengthening communication and leadership capacity in the workplace.
Speaking on the topic, “Speaking: A Tool for Growth, Multiplication, and Career Progression,” Public Speaking Strategist, Joyce Daniels, urged participants to embrace public speaking as a catalyst for professional advancement, noting that confidence and conviction are the cornerstones of effective communication.
“If you will grow, multiply and have progression in your career, you will speak from a place of conviction,” she said, adding that impactful leaders distinguish themselves by their willingness to boldly articulate their ideas.
Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, described International Women’s Day as a moment to celebrate the social, economic and cultural achievements of women while renewing the call for gender equality.
“This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates deeply with our mission of inclusivity and empowerment.
” Every woman is a leader in her own right, and giving back creates growth opportunities for individuals, organisations and communities,” she said.
Extending its impact beyond the workplace, SIFAX Group also carried out a community outreach to Ijora where 500 bags of assorted food items were distributed to vulnerable households.
Each pack was assembled with essential household staples — rice, beans, vegetable oil, garri and salt, carefully curated to provide tangible relief to families within the community.
The distribution was conducted in collaboration with community leaders to ensure a transparent and orderly process.
Eniola-Jegede, who coordinated the outreach, noted that the initiative reflects the organisation’s culture of compassion and its determination to give back to the communities in which it operates.
She added that the exercise was also designed to amplify the message of International Women’s Day by encouraging women within the organisation to lead community interventions that uplift vulnerable groups.
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IWD: Mobereola, NIMASA DG, celebrates women for their contributions to maritime industry 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , Dr Dayo Mobereola, has applauded the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian Maritime industry.

In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day with the theme “Give to Gain”, Dr Mobereola celebrated the strength, expertise and invaluable contributions of women to the sector, emphasising that the industry has gained progress, innovation and sustainable growth through their efforts.

According to him “I celebrate your strength, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our maritime industry.

“The theme #GiveToGain reflects your daily impact. Through your professionalism, leadership, and resilience across sea-going, regulatory, technical, and administrative roles, you give excellence and our sector gains progress, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Mobereola further commended the dedication of women in the industry and reaffirmed his commitment to “a maritime industry where every woman is empowered to lead and thrive”.

International Women’s Day is a global observance that seeks to draw attention to challenges faced by women and the need to ensure gender equity.

This year’s theme “Give to Gain”, focuses on investing in women through resources, education, and mentorship to create a stronger, more equitable society, highlighting the fact that empowering women brings collective benefits; economies, communities, and workplaces all grow when women thrive.

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IWD: 60 percent of my aides, technical assistants are women – Danthoso, NPA MD, declares as he celebrates women.

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Danthoso, has said that he was intentional in his prioritizing  gender equality in key appointments at the NPA.

While eulogizing the role of women in the maritime industry as part of his message to women during the International Women’s Day celebration, Dr Danthoso, declared that 60 percent of his aides and technical assistants are women.

“Women hold 60 percent of these roles(personal aides and technical assistants) with men making up the remaining 40 percent.

“This intentional step underscores NPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and success across the maritime industry.” he stated.

Danthoso said he recognizes the remarkable contributions of to the progress and success of NPA “who continue to drive progress, break barriers, and shape a more equitable future for the sector.”

” The Nigerian Ports Authority proudly celebrates the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions of women in the maritime sector—including firefighting, security, piloting, engineering, hydrography, administrative and vessel-support services such as aids to navigation.

” These remarkable women are excelling even in roles that traditionally demand male-kind of strength”

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