Executive Inauguration: MARAN President, Onigbinde pledges stronger, United, Professionally relevant Association

Executive Inauguration:  MARAN President,  Onigbinde Pledges Stronger, United, Professionally Relevant Association

By Augustine Nwadinamuo

The newly elected President of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde has pledged to build a strong, United and a professionally relevant association different from the one that he met on assumption of office.

Onigbinde who made this pledge in his welcome address at the inauguration of the newly elected executive committee of the association in Lagos on Tuesday, further committed to building a MARAN that invests in capacity building, embraces digital transformation and continually equips its members with the knowledge required to report an increasingly complex maritime industry.

He assured that he would work tirelessly with his executive to enthrone an association that promotes investigative journalism, policy-based reporting and data-driven analysis, just as he equally envisioned a MARAN that strengthens partnerships with government agencies, international organisations and private sector stakeholders while maintaining its editorial independence.

“We shall build a MARAN that protects the welfare of its members and creates opportunities for professional growth. Most importantly, I envision a united association.
“The elections are behind us. There are no longer camps. There are no factions. There is only one MARAN. The mandate entrusted to this executive belongs to every member of this association. Whether you supported us or not during the election, today we are one family pursuing one vision.
“I therefore extend my hand of fellowship to every member. Let us work together with mutual respect, open dialogue and shared commitment to advancing our association. No administration can succeed without the support of its members”, Onigbinde entreated.
Insisting that the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry requires genuine collaboration among regulators, operators, investors and the media, the new MARAN President stated, “To our distinguished government agencies and industry stakeholders present today, we appreciate your continued partnership with MARAN over the years.
“We assure you that under this administration, we shall continue to engage constructively, report responsibly and provide balanced coverage that contributes positively to the growth of the sector.
“Where commendation is deserved, we shall commend. Where constructive criticism is necessary, we shall do so professionally and fairly. Our commitment will always be to the truth and to the national interest.”
Reflecting on the theme for the inauguration, “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development”, the MARAN boss maintained that the theme could not have come at a more appropriate time adding that the maritime sector remains one of the most strategic sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
“It is the gateway to international trade, a major source of government revenue and a critical driver of economic growth. But sustainable maritime development cannot thrive without credible information, transparency and accountability.
“This is where ethical journalism becomes indispensable. As maritime journalists, our duty goes beyond reporting events. We are expected to inform, educate, investigate, analyse and hold institutions accountable. We must resist sensationalism, reject misinformation and ensure that every report we publish is guided by truth, fairness, balance and professionalism.
“Our credibility remains our greatest asset. When the public trusts maritime journalists, policymakers listen more carefully, and investors gain. Ethical journalism is therefore not merely a professional obligation; it is a catalyst for maritime development”, he submitted.
He therefore called on every member of the association to recommit to the ideals upon which MARAN was founded—integrity, professionalism, courage and excellence, saying, “Together, let us build an association that future generations of maritime journalists will be proud to inherit.”
“Together, let us elevate maritime journalism. Together, let us contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy. Together, let us uphold ethical journalism as the foundation for sustainable maritime development. Finally, I dedicate this administration to service, accountability, inclusiveness and progress.
“May history remember this administration as one that united MARAN, strengthened the profession and advanced the maritime industry”, he added.