“BE FEARLESS IN DEFENDING TRUTH”: ANIEBONAM CHARGES MARITIME JOURNALISTS
*‘BE FEARLESS IN DEFENDING TRUTH’: ANIEBONAM CHARGES MARITIME JOURNALISTS
By Babatunde Aremu
Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has urged maritime journalists to remain courageous, objective, and unwavering in defending the truth, saying responsible reporting is critical to reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Aniebonam made the call on Saturday while receiving the newly elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN, led by President Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, during a courtesy visit to the NAGAFF headquarters in Lagos.
The veteran maritime stakeholder said the media occupies a strategic position in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. According to him, factual and constructive reporting compels policymakers and regulators to address sector challenges.
“The media has a responsibility to continue highlighting the realities within the sector. Constructive reporting draws attention to problems and encourages those in authority to take corrective action,” Aniebonam stated.
He added that meaningful development can only thrive where journalists uphold accuracy, fairness, integrity, and public interest.
Reflecting on decades of advocacy, Aniebonam urged both journalists and industry players to embrace humility, forgiveness, and mutual respect. He warned against inflammatory remarks and needless conflicts, describing integrity and respect as values that define lasting legacies.
He also stressed the need for deliberate mentorship and succession planning to bridge the generational gap, noting that many experienced maritime professionals are nearing retirement.
Earlier, MARAN President Oluyinka Onigbinde thanked NAGAFF for its consistent support. He said the visit was to formally introduce the new executive and strengthen the long-standing partnership, adding that NAGAFF was chosen as first point of call due to its strategic role in freight forwarding and maritime trade.
NAGAFF National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, congratulated the new MARAN leadership and urged professionalism, discipline, and unity. He charged the executives to reconcile aggrieved members post-election and show patience in handling criticism.
NAGAFF National Coordinator, Alhaji Tanko Muhammad, also pledged continued support and urged maritime journalists to remain transparent, balanced, and ethical.
MARAN will inaugurate its new Executive Council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
