By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has concluded plans to celebrate its past presidents whose dedication and sacrifices contributed to the transformation of the association into a colossus in maritime journalism.

The maiden event is billed for April 24, 2026 by 3:00 pm in Apapa
In a statement signed by Caretaker committee Chairman ,Tunde Ayodele, invitation was extended to all the friends, associates and well wishers of the celebrants, even though four past leaders would be given posthumous awards for their contributions to the association.

Ayodele revealed that as a result of this development, the family members of the deceased have been invited to grace the occasion.

” As an organization 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” Ayodele declared.

He disclosed that the coming event is coming at the appropriate time when a past President, Dr Bolaji Akinola, gained ascendency in his professional career, when he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

He said: “The career advancement of Akinola gladdens our heart at MARAN for being one of the past presidents of this great association and there isn’t a better platform than this event to show appreciation to the Honourable Minister for finding one of our own worthy as one of his special aides”.