Maritime Industry Heavy Weights to Converge in Apapa Tomorrow as MARAN Hosts Past Presidents
Nifemi Coker
Master mariner and erstwhile Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; pioneer President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and Chairman, Starzs Group, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; former National President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Skellas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu are among maritime industry heavy weights set to grace the reception ceremony of past Presidents of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
The reception which is scheduled to take place tomorrow, April 24th, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to be a meeting point for the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The event is meant to honour erstwhile Presidents of MARAN, Nigeria’s foremost body for journalists covering the maritime industry.
Besides these stakeholders, notable dignitaries from government institutions well as corporate organizations in the sector have indicated interest to attend.
In a statement issued by the association, it said: “Following weeks of intensive planning and stakeholders’ engagement, the association confirms that it has concluded arrangements for the high-profile ceremony with overwhelming support and positive responses already recorded from key players across the maritime sector.
“The event, which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of the association but also to reinforce the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.”
While giving an overview of the event, Chairman, Board of Trustees(BOT) of MARAN, Mr Olojo, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work, and quality leadership of MARAN’s past leaders.
“MARAN as the progenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.
“They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellects to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry. More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavours.
“Some are excelling as Ministers of God in the Lord’s vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, and some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
“It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles,” he said.
Olojo said the event is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
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