By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has acknowledged the invaluable support and contributions of Nigerian journalists, especially the maritime media, to the recent success of Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization(IMO) elections.

It could be recalled that Nigeria won the elusive category C council election at the IMO after 14 years of failed attempts.

Receiving the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) led by Mr Tunde Ayodele, at the agency’s Head Office, Deputy Director and Head of the Public Relations Department, NIMASA, Edward Osagie, said that maritime media has complemented the untiring efforts of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to showcase the enormous maritime potential of Nigeria and its capacity in maritime administration that eventually won the country the coveted global seat.

The NIMASA Chief spokesman highlighted the importance of developmental journalism to nation’s building while admonishing the media, especially maritime media, against reportorial style that could demarket the country.

” The international community is taking note of every single report we write as journalists about the country and it’s what they use to assess us as a nation.

” That is why it is imperative for us as journalists to allow patriotism and commitment to nation building guide the way we write”

He however frowned at attempt by few journalists to push wrong narrative over the recent incident of the arrest of a vessel, MT SKIPPER , detained by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) over alleged crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.

Osagie explained that the detained vessel was neither flying Nigerian flag nor its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.

He said that what identifies a vessel is the flag it flies and since the detained vessel did not carry Nigeria’s flag, those who tried to ascrib its ownership to Nigeria did so either out of sheer mischief or ignorance.
Osagie however lauded MARAN for its responsible journalism, acknowledging the support of its members to NIMASA despite the agency’s perceived shortcoming in their expectations.

“Despite the fact that the agency may not have met all the expectations of members of MARAN, they haven’t written negative reports on our activities and operations” Osagie noted.

“MARAN brand is a brand I am proud of and we are also proud of in the industry. MARAN has not done badly in its reportorial duties.”

Osagie expressed his gratitude and that of his team to the Director – General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, for his support and encouragement which he said made his job easier as the head of the PR unit.

“I want to appreciate the DG for his support and role in making my job as the Head of PR unit of NIMASA stress-free.

“There is hardly any request for the welfare of journalists that I present to him which he ignores. Through his favourable disposition to anything that concerns journalists, he has shown undisguised passion and commitment to the capacity development and welfare of maritime journalists.” Osagie said.

On his part, Ayodele informed his hosts that MARAN will continue to practise responsible journalism that would enhance the operations of NIMASA in particular and boost the credibility of the country to the outside world.

He therefore asked NIMASA to reciprocate this gesture through action that will enhance the professional integrity and impact the welfare of his members.