Headlines

MARAN upbeat as preparations for reception to honour its past leaders peak

Gloria Odion, maritime reporter
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‎The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has expressed optimism as preparations have reached an advanced stage for its forthcoming special reception in honour of its distinguished past presidents.
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‎The landmark event is designed to celebrate leadership, dedicated service, and lasting contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
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‎Following weeks of detailed planning and stakeholder engagement,the association confirmed that arrangements for the high-profile ceremony are well advanced, with strong support and positive responses from key players across the maritime sector.
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‎The reception is expected to attract industry leaders, government officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators,shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders.

Beyond honouring former presidents, the event will also highlight the vital role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and supporting sectoral growth.
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‎Speaking on the event, Chairman of the MARAN Caretaker Committee, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, said the reception would provide an opportunity to reflect on the legacies of past leaders whose contributions have helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime industry.
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‎He added that the gathering would also strengthen collaboration between the media and industry stakeholders, especially at a time of ongoing reforms and modernization within the sector.
‎The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Funso Olojo, disclosed that prominent dignitaries, including officials from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and heads of key maritime agencies, have shown strong interest in attending the event.
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‎He noted that several corporate organisations and industry groups have also indicated their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its significance to the wider maritime community.

‎Providing further insight into the event, Olojo said the reception would serve as a platform to celebrate excellence, commitment, and quality leadership demonstrated by MARAN’s past presidents.
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‎He highlighted that the association, as a pioneer maritime beat association, has produced exceptional leaders who have gone on to excel in various fields, including pastoring, law, media entrepreneurship, and public service.

‎“These individuals have made significant sacrifices to build and sustain MARAN’s reputation as a leading voice in the maritime industry.

“Today, they continue to distinguish themselves in their respective careers, and this event will celebrate their achievements and rising profiles,” he said.

The reception is scheduled to be held on April 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.

It will feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions aimed at fostering stronger collaboration among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
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‎As momentum builds, MARAN has called on industry stakeholders, corporate organisations, and well-meaning individuals to support the event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
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‎MARAN remains the foremost maritime journalists’ association in Nigeria, committed to promoting ethical journalism,capacity building, and informed reporting within the maritime and blue economy sector.

Headlines

NRC suspends Warri- Itakpe train service over operational concerns

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) due to what the management described as operational exigency and technical advice from the Corporation’s Engineers.

The temporary suspension, according to a public statement by the NRC, has become necessary to enable the Corporation carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor.

“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are currently ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time.

“Passengers and intending travelers will be duly informed before the end of the week on the date for the resumption of normal train operations.

“The Corporation remains committed to safe, efficient, and customer-friendly rail services across the country and appreciates the understanding, patience, and continued support of the public during this period” the NRC declared.

Headlines

Sallah: FG slashes train fares by 50 percent on all routes

Gloria Odion, reporter

The Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation has announced a 50 percent fare reduction on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The discount takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and will run through Monday, June 1, 2026.

Accordingly, ticket fares on all NRC passenger train services across the country have been reduced by 50 percent of the existing approved rates within the stated period.

Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50 percent rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1st, 2026.

Train schedules and timetables remain as previously advertised.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation said it appreciated the continued support of Nigerians and wishes all passengers and the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Headlines

Salah: NIWA MD threatens to wield big stick on violators of safety guidelines on waterways

— calls for calm over Supreme Court judgement

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has issued a stern warning to boat operators across the country to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Girei gave the warning during an exclusive interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, noting that festive periods often witness increased movement on the inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities.

According to him, compliance with safety measures during the Sallah season remains non-negotiable.

He stressed that overloading of boats would not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory.

Girei also warned against night travel, alcohol consumption by operators, and disregard for weather advisories.

“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.

The NIWA Acting MD further disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

He warned that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.

Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats attempting to operate at night.

While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithfuls, he appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.

Meanwhile, the NIWA boss advised stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.

He explained that the apex court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.

Girei therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtains the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.