Dr. Hope Afoke Orivri (OMMAN Chieftain)
It is very important that maritime journalists in this environment speak and act under a single, clearly identified association. However, the existing fragmented media groups can still maintain their individual interests without losing their identity or value.
Paul Ogbuokiri (Former President, AMJON)
Maritime journalists are okay the way they are. For the little they are getting, they seem content. My position on unity remains unchanged. Let all the splinter groups collapse into one—not this “confederacy” or “network” arrangement of having seven presidents. Show me any other sector in this country where there is more than one beat association. Even sports, which has one of the largest followings, still operates under a single body.
Kelvin Kagbare (Former President, AMJON)
In my view, the way forward is to dismantle all existing maritime associations and bring all journalists under one umbrella – one name and one identity. Unfortunately, over time, individuals have built personal kingdoms and fiefdoms within the system, becoming “tin gods” unwilling to let go of their empires for the greater good. This remains the core challenge. Once resolved, true unity among maritime journalists will be achievable.
Adetola Adenubi (SCAN Member)
Nigerian maritime journalists can be more united if leaders and members alike set aside ego and personal interests. The major reason for division is self-interest, especially among association leaders who often prioritize control over collective progress. Until leaders are willing to step down, compromise, and allow unity to prevail above personal ambition, the fragmentation within maritime journalism will persist. True unity will only emerge when personal interests are subordinated to the greater good of the profession.
Hyacinth Nwafor (CONMMEP Member)
Nigerian maritime journalists can become more united by placing collective professional interest above personal affiliations, rivalry, and sectional sentiments. The maritime sector is too strategic to national economic growth for journalists covering the beat to remain divided along organizational, ethnic, or association lines. Unity can be strengthened through regular engagement, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to credible journalism. There is a strong need for maritime journalists’ associations to create more inclusive platforms where members can freely exchange ideas, discuss industry challenges, and collectively advocate for improved welfare, access to information, and professional development. Senior journalists should also mentor younger reporters entering the beat, helping to build trust, continuity, and professionalism within the sector. Media owners and maritime stakeholders also have roles to play by supporting training opportunities and improving working conditions. Ultimately, unity among Nigerian maritime journalists will enhance credibility, strengthen advocacy, and position the profession as a stronger voice in the development of the nation’s blue economy.
Innocent Orok (AMJON Member)
Nigerian maritime journalists have, over the years, become divided based on interests, ego, tribe, and age, rather than professionalism and ethics. That said, I believe the first step toward unity and improved welfare is to conduct a proper census and profiling of all maritime journalists. We must identify those who are truly active in the beat and adding value, not passersby or individuals merely affiliating with multiple associations without genuine journalistic contribution. There is also a need for stakeholders to come together in a structured forum where ideas can be freely exchanged and collective rules agreed upon. For instance, we may establish guidelines such as limiting membership to one or at most two associations. The current system of fragmented associations cannot stand the test of time. Additionally, we can create a welfare structure that accommodates senior practitioners, especially those aged 65 and above, offering them support packages while still recognizing their contributions. Finally, clear standards must be established for admitting new members into associations to ensure that only genuine practitioners who add value are admitted and protected.
Shulamite Foyeku (SCAN Member)
This is a subject I do not particularly enjoy discussing, because over the years, every attempt to unite maritime journalists under one umbrella has yielded little result, largely due to the selfish interests of a few individuals. However, for the sake of posterity, I will once again lend my voice to the discourse. There is no doubt that the benefits of unity far outweigh whatever advantages we currently derive from operating as fragmented groups. The proliferation of competing associations has weakened our collective bargaining power on welfare and professional development issues.
I acknowledge the efforts of the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists in pushing for unification toward stronger advocacy, professionalism, and improved welfare. However, much more still needs to be done. To achieve unity, we must consider forming a single coalition by merging existing bodies into one united front, similar to what is obtainable in sectors like aviation and finance. Furthermore, a clear code of conduct should be established to curb blackmail, misinformation, and unethical practices that undermine credibility. Ultimately, a united maritime media body will not only command greater respect, but will also be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Dapo Olawuni (MARAN Member)
When the foundation is destroyed, little can be done to repair the structure. The disunity among maritime journalists in Nigeria today, I dare say, was seeded by greed among the pioneers of the profession; by men and women who lacked the foresight to build institutions beyond their personal ambitions. That said, the path to redemption lies with senior journalists, who must be intentional about correcting past mistakes. The younger generation is generally more open-minded and collaborative, but deep-seated distrust from older practitioners remains the greatest obstacle to unification. Many attempts have failed not because the idea is wrong, but because the old guard remains fixated on control and power. If young professionals are given genuine independence to lead—free from manipulation—they have the capacity to end years of fragmentation. The unity of maritime journalism in Nigeria is possible, but only if the right hands are allowed to take the wheel.
