Headlines

After years of locust, Onigbinde emerges president of MARAN

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

After the locust years of the last administration which ravaged the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), a new era was ushered in to the association when Mr Oluyinka Onigbinde, the Assistant Editor of Shipping Position Daily, was elected to steer the ship of the group for the next three years.

Onigbinde was handed the mandate by the overwhelming majority of the members of MARAN in a keenly – contested election held on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, to lead the first and oldest maritime journalists association in the industry.

Onigbinde defeated veteran maritime journalist, Reverend John Iwori, by a margin of seven votes to clinch the presidency of the association.
Yinka Onigbinde polled 20 votes while John Iwori polled only 13 votes out of a total of 33 votes.

The election was conducted by the leadership of the Lagos state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by its Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi.

The other elective positions were occupied unopposed.

Emerging unopposed were Sylvanus Obasi as the Vice President, Fabian Anawo as General Secretary, Ojelabi Amina as Assistant General Secretary and Ayanfeoluwa Providence as the Public Relations Officer (PRO).

Others were Ruth Umuna as Treasurer and Ambrose Okehi as Financial Secretary.

The new members of MARAN cabinet were sworn in by the Lagos NUJ chairman, Leye Ajayi who was the election’s returning officer.

In his acceptance speech immediately after the swearing in ceremony, the new MARAN president, Mr Yinka Onigbinde, said he accepted the overwhelming endorsement of his members with humility and a high sense of responsibility.

He said there was no victor nor vanquished in the election as all MARAN members are victors.

He promised that now that the election was over, he and his cabinet will focus on governance.

Onigbinde however called on all MARAN members, irrespective of their political leaning, to rally round the new executive council in its onerous task of making MARAN greater and better.

He particularly reached out to his fellow contestant MARAN presidency, John Iwori, to join hands with the new leadership to usher in a new era in the association

“As I said yesterday, there is no victor and no vanquished in this election. The true winner is MARAN.

“The success of MARAN remains far bigger and more important than any individual ambition or personal interest.

“What matters most is that our association has once again shown its capacity to conduct itself with dignity, mutual respect, and brotherhood.

“To everyone who supported my aspiration, stood by me, encouraged me, prayed for me, and believed in our shared vision, I say a heartfelt thank you. Your trust and confidence mean a lot to me, and I do not take it for granted.

“I also extend my respect and appreciation to my fellow contestant (Rev. John Iwori) for his courage, commitment, and contributions to the democratic process.

“Contesting for leadership is itself an act of service and dedication to the association.

“Now that the election is behind us, this is the time to close ranks, heal every divide, and move forward together in unity and purpose.

“The task ahead requires collective effort, cooperation, and genuine commitment from all members because the progress of MARAN is a responsibility we all share.

“I pledge to serve with humility, fairness, openness, and dedication to the advancement of our association and the welfare of all members.

“My administration will remain inclusive, accessible, and committed to carrying everyone along” Onigbinde declared in a manner which demonstrated his humility and magnanimity in victory.

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.