By Oluyinka Onigbinde & Joshua Yousouph
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has concluded plans to celebrate its past presidents in recognition of their contributions to the growth and transformation of Maritime Journalism and the association.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Mr Tunde Ayodele, and the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr Funso Olojo, the association described the initiative as a historic and first-of-its-kind event within the maritime journalism industry.
The event, scheduled to hold on April 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to bring together stakeholders, associates, and well-wishers to honour former leaders whose dedication and sacrifices have helped position MARAN as a leading body in maritime journalism.
According to Ayodele, the celebration is aimed at appreciating the vision, resilience, and commitment of past presidents who played pivotal roles in shaping the association into a formidable force in the industry.
He noted that invitations have been extended to friends and associates of the honourees to participate in what he described as an epoch-making occasion.
Ayodele also expressed sadness over the demise of four former presidents of the association, adding that they would be honoured posthumously for their contributions. He disclosed that family members of the deceased have been invited to receive the awards on their behalf.
“As an organisation which values the contributions of its leaders, MARAN is celebrating its past Presidents for their vision, passion, zeal, tenacity of purpose, sacrifices, resilience and persistence in the face of adversity and daunting challenges that have shaped the association into the foremost and formidable group of journalists in the maritime industry,” he said.
The MARAN chairman further stated that the event comes at a significant time, coinciding with the recent appointment of one of its past presidents, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, as Special Adviser on Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
He described Akinola’s appointment as a source of pride for the association, noting that the occasion would also serve as an opportunity to appreciate the Minister for recognising the competence of a former MARAN leader.
