A Coalition of Maritime Journalists has announced plans to pay a courtesy visit to the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, by the third week of January 2026, in recognition of his support for the maritime media during his tenure.
Oyebamiji, who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Osun State, is expected to receive the journalists at the visit, which the Coalition said is aimed at appreciating his consistent engagement with the media and congratulating him on his recent political nomination.
According to the Coalition, the visit will also provide an opportunity to formally present Oyebamiji with a letter nominating him for the award of Most Media-Friendly CEO, in acknowledgment of his openness, accessibility, and commitment to strengthening media relations within the maritime sector. Discussions are also expected to be held to agree on a mutually convenient date for the conferment of the award.
Members of the Coalition noted that Oyebamiji’s three-year tenure at NIWA marked a significant shift in media relations, as he deliberately encouraged maritime journalists to move beyond desk reporting. They recalled that his administration consistently supported field coverage, enabling reporters to visit project sites, waterways, jetties, and other operational areas to gain first-hand insight into industry activities.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, a senior maritime journalist, Frank Meke, said Oyebamiji believed that informed reporting must be driven by direct exposure to events and operations. He added that journalists were not limited to press statements under his leadership but were actively exposed to real-time developments across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The Coalition further stated that part of Oyebamiji’s vision was to broaden the exposure of the maritime press by facilitating visits to coastal states across the country, with the aim of equipping journalists with practical knowledge to provide informed analysis and constructive input to government and industry stakeholders.
Maritime journalists Tola Adenubi, Innocent Orok, Yusuf Babalola, and Joshua Yousouph also acknowledged Oyebamiji’s assurances that his cordial relationship with the maritime press would be sustained if elected Governor of Osun State. They noted his recognition of Osun State as the custodian of the globally celebrated Osun Festival and the Osun River, highlighting the continued relevance of environmental, cultural, and waterways-related reporting in the state.
