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Oyetola, NIWA’s top managers celebrate Oyebamiji as he receives Media -Friendly CEO award in Abuja.

Funso OLOJO, Editor
In a blaze of glory, the maritime industry stakeholders, policy makers, media practitioners, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stood in admiration as the former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA),Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), stepped out to receive the prestigious award as the most media- friendly CEO of the Maritime industry.
The award, conferred by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, was in recognition of Oyebamiji’s transparency, accessibility, and partnership with the media, as well as his wider contributions to the development of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, Oyetola described Oyebamiji, the Governorship  candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, as a consummate public servant whose tenure repositioned NIWA within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through innovation, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement.
He also commended the Coalition of Maritime Journalists for promoting accountability and professionalism in the maritime sector, stressing that specialised maritime journalism remains vital in shaping public understanding, strengthening governance, and encouraging stakeholder participation.
“By recognising leaders who uphold openness and constructive engagement with the media, you reinforce values that enhance transparency and institutional credibility,” the Minister said.
Reviewing NIWA’s achievements under Oyebamiji, Oyetola noted significant revenue growth, improved operational efficiency, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and stronger regulatory oversight, which collectively strengthened the Authority’s financial sustainability and service delivery across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
A major milestone highlighted was the development and implementation of the first Inland Waterways Safety Code in 35 years, which established operational standards, compliance frameworks, and safety protocols to enhance navigation safety nationwide.
“One of the most enduring legacies of Asiwaju Oyebamiji’s tenure was the Inland Waterways Safety Code, a landmark achievement that modernised regulation and improved safety across the nation’s waterways,” Oyetola said.
He added that NIWA also reinforced enforcement mechanisms, improved monitoring of waterway operations, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies—initiatives that have contributed to safer operations and increased public confidence in inland water transport.
Oyetola further acknowledged Oyebamiji’s leadership as Chairman of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, where he coordinated national efforts to reduce accidents through evidence-based policies, stakeholder sensitisation, and enforcement-driven strategies.
According to the Minister, Oyebamiji’s leadership style—marked by humility, firmness, inclusiveness, and accountability—made him accessible to both industry players and journalists, qualities that earned him the recognition as the Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO.
“As he now represents the All Progressives Congress as the governorship candidate for Osun State in the August 8, 2026 election, many who have witnessed his track record remain confident in his ability to deliver purposeful and transformational leadership,” Oyetola added.
In a goodwill message, Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, praised Oyebamiji for transforming the Authority’s work culture and aligning its programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Girei said NIWA under AMBO implemented value-driven programmes, strengthened staff commitment, and would also receive the New Telegraph Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 Award, further testament to the strides made during his tenure.
“Beyond policies and infrastructure, the human lives rescued, businesses stabilised, and families positively impacted are legacies we are proud to uphold,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, explained that the award celebrates maritime leaders who value transparency, media partnership, and information-sharing in building sustainable institutions.
Meke noted that Oyebamiji’s accessibility, responsiveness, support for journalists’ welfare, and encouragement of first-hand reporting across NIWA operations distinguished him as a deserving recipient.
“Leaders like Asiwaju Oyebamiji see the media not as adversaries but as partners in development, providing support, fostering a conducive work environment, and encouraging field reporting to ensure accurate coverage,” Meke said.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji thanked the maritime journalists for the recognition, describing the award as the result of collective effort during his tenure.
He also paid tribute to Oyetola, whom he described as mentor and leader, acknowledging his support from their early days at Osun State Investment Company through his roles as Commissioner for Finance, aide at the Federal Ministry, and ultimately NIWA boss.
Oyebamiji lauded journalists for reporting from high-risk waterways, noting that such engagement raised safety awareness and strengthened public understanding of inland waterway operations.
He thanked NIWA staff, particularly Acting MD Girei, for sustaining the Authority’s vision and teamwork, expressing confidence that the foundation laid would continue to benefit Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The ceremony drew top government officials, maritime stakeholders, and industry players, celebrating Oyebamiji’s leadership legacy and collaborative engagement with the media in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda.
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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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