The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has inaugurated the newly elected executives on the 23rd of June, 2026 at The Rockview Hotel, Apapa-Lagos.
The executives also had their first inaugural lecture with the theme: “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development”.
The keynote speaker Mr.Bolaji Abimbola in his lecture advised journalists to uphold ethical journalism in their reportage of maritime news.
According to him, accountability, responsible reporting, diligence and integrity are the crux of ethical journalism.
He also emphasized the need for maritime reporters to put human angle in their reporting, rather than focusing solely upon the negative sides of a story.
The public relations expert opined that maritime reporters should learn the rudiments of framing their stories in a patriotic manner.
He went further to explain that inaccurate reports on maritime issues and government policies can make Investors lose confidence in the industry. He said on quote:
“False or poorly verified reports can discourage investors and shipping lines. Ethical journalism, on the other hand, builds confidence in institutions and supports sustainable growth within the maritime sector”.
While Bolaji buttressed on investigative journalism with regards to the reportage of Blue Economy, he identified some of the key factors militating against maritime reporting which included: use of specialized vocabulary for the industry, non availability of access to operational areas in the maritime sector, economic pressure, political interference, safety concerns, digital disruption, lack of continual capacity development and audience media literacy among others.
However, the media guru was able to identify some best evidence-based strategies that could help address these challenges.
According to Bolaji, availability and reliance on credible data from institutions that border on maritime, security and other national issues is key to ensuring ethical standards in maritime reporting.
Others points were hinged on accountability, truth and transparency.
According to him, journalists must avoid the use of overtly used jargon (specialized vocabularies) for the sector. Instead, he urged them to keep their terminologies simple for their target audience’s digest.
Also, he reiterated the need for journalists to gain access to restricted areas for more media visibility.
Bolaji went further to advise MARAN to wield its influence in ensuring that all maritime reporters come under one association for better productivity.
Other people that spoke included: The Chairman of the occasion-Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino who is The President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and other participants and representatives who took time to give their goodwill messages at the event.
The names of the newly inaugurated executives are:
a. Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde-President
b. Mr Sylvanus Obasi- Vice President
c. Fabian Anawo-Secretary General
d. Providence AnyanfeOluwa-Public Relations Officer
e. Aminat Ojelabi-Assistant Secretary General
f. Ruth Umunna-Treasurer and
g. Pastor Ambrose Obioma Eke, who serves as the Financial Secretary of the association.
High point of the event was when the new executives took a group photograph.
