Gloria Odion,  maritme reporter 

The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has announced September 10th, 2026, as the date for this year’s edition of its flagship MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL), a high-profile gathering expected to bring together key government officials, industry leaders and maritime stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.

The annual lecture, scheduled to hold at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, will focus on the theme: “Nigeria Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question.”

The event is expected to provide a strategic platform for robust discussions on reforms required to make Nigerian ports more efficient, cost-effective and globally competitive.

According to the organisers, this year’s lecture will examine critical issues shaping the nation’s maritime sector, including port infrastructure modernisation, operational efficiency, port charges, trade facilitation, regulatory reforms and policy initiatives aimed at positioning Nigeria as the preferred maritime and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing reforms in the maritime and blue economy sectors.

The keynote address will be delivered by Hadiza Bala Usman, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and  Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU).

She is expected to articulate the Federal Government’s policy direction on port reforms and highlight the importance of coordinated implementation in improving operational efficiency, attracting investment and driving sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on the forthcoming event, MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, disclosed that the lecture will be chaired by TANTITA Security Services Limited, adding that it will attract an array of stakeholders, including government officials, heads of maritime agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, port users, investors, academics, development partners and media professionals.

According to Onigbinde, MAMAL has over the years evolved into one of the maritime industry’s foremost policy dialogue platforms, fostering constructive engagement among stakeholders and generating practical recommendations to address the sector’s most pressing challenges.

He expressed optimism that this year’s edition would produce actionable policy recommendations on reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, improving operational efficiency, boosting investor confidence and accelerating Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leading maritime and logistics gateway in the sub-region.

Onigbinde therefore called on stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to participate actively in the event, describing MAMAL 2026 as a strategic forum for shaping policies, strengthening partnerships and promoting innovation that will drive sustainable growth and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

– Says no political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen

Funso Olojo, Editor

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15th governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has lamented what he described as the stagnation of development in the state despite receiving between ₦16 billion and ₦17 billion in monthly federal allocations.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, Oyebamiji argued that Osun State has witnessed a significant increase in federal allocations since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but said residents have little to show for the huge inflow of funds.

He contrasted the performance of the current administration with previous APC-led governments in the state, insisting that the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola delivered more impactful projects despite operating with far fewer financial resources.

“This state has been receiving between ₦16 billion and ₦17 billion monthly since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board.

“What has this administration been doing with the money?” he asked.

“You can go around the capital city of Osogbo and across the entire state and you’ll barely find projects to justify these funds. The current administration has not held a single executive meeting since its inauguration”

Oyebamiji said effective governance requires broad participation, transparency and accountability, stressing that government exists to serve the people rather than political interests.

Drawing from management principles, he said successful administrations thrive on collective decision-making and shared ownership of development goals.

“In management, there is management by objectives, which means getting everyone involved. Running the government is for the people,” he said.

The APC candidate pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise security, citizens’ welfare, prudent management of public resources and people-centred development.

“According to him, restoring public confidence in government requires leaders who place the lives of citizens above politics and ensure that every public fund translates into visible improvements in the lives of the people.

He also declared that no political ambition or public office is worth the loss of a single life, stressing that the protection of lives and property would remain the cornerstone of his administration.

“There is no position that is worth killing a soul. The welfare of the people and the security of the people are the main variables in my governance. Every other thing is complementary,” he said.

Oyebamiji further promised to pursue an inclusive style of governance anchored on listening to citizens and responding to their unique needs rather than imposing policies from the top.

According to him, artisans, civil servants, traders, market women and other groups face different socio-economic challenges that require tailored government interventions.

“The needs of artisans are different from those of civil servants and marketers. Good leadership starts by understanding these needs and addressing them.

“We need to listen to these categories of people and run an inclusive government,” he added.

Funso Olojo, Editor 

As the clock ticks toward the August 15th, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the political atmosphere has become charged with anticipation.

Across markets, palaces, campuses and community squares, one question echoes repeatedly: Can Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) return the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Government House in Osogbo?

For Oyebamiji, the journey has been one of preparation, experience and political patience.

Having served as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and later as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), he has built a reputation among supporters as a technocrat with administrative experience.

His campaign has focused heavily on economic revival, infrastructure development, job creation and the implementation of what he calls the “Prosperity Agenda.”

The APC candidate also enters the race with significant institutional backing. The party has deployed a high-powered national campaign council, while senior party leaders have repeatedly described the Osun election as strategically important.

Party faithful believe this level of mobilisation could strengthen the APC’s grassroots efforts across the state’s 30 local government areas.

Beyond party structures, Oyebamiji has sought to connect directly with voters through extensive consultations with traditional rulers, artisans, traders, youth groups and religious organisations.

His campaign has projected him as a consensus builder capable of uniting diverse interests behind a common development agenda.

Yet, the road to victory is anything but straightforward.

Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke remains a formidable opponent with the advantages of incumbency and an established political base.

Elections in Osun have historically been fiercely contested, and recent political history demonstrates that voter sentiment can shift rapidly during campaigns.

For Oyebamiji, several factors could shape his electoral fortunes:

The APC’s ability to maintain unity and mobilise supporters across the state.

The public’s assessment of his policy proposals compared with those of the incumbent.

Voter turnout, especially among young people and first-time voters.

The conduct of peaceful, credible and transparent elections by all stakeholders.

As election day approaches, political observers generally agree that the contest remains highly competitive.

While the APC believes Oyebamiji’s campaign momentum and broad endorsements could translate into electoral success, the final verdict belongs solely to the people of Osun State when they cast their votes on August 15.

In the end, democracy is not decided by campaign rallies, endorsements or political projections. It is decided by ballots.

If Oyebamiji succeeds in convincing enough voters that his vision offers a better future for Osun, he could emerge victorious.

The latest electorial poll recently conducted in Osun state suggests that Oyebamiji has a higher chance of becoming the next governor of the state with 65 percent poll forecast.

Until then, the story of Osun 2026 remains one of hope, intense competition and the enduring power of the people’s vote.