Maritime journalists resolve differences, elects new exco, BoT members

Journalists reporting the Nigerian maritime sector on Thursday laid aside all differences to elect new executive members and a four-man Board of Trustee (BoT) under one umbrella, Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).

Stakeholders present at the inaugural election of AMJON

The newly elected members of the executives are Mr. Ismail Aniemu, of The Journal, President; Mr. Paul Ogbuokiri, of New Telegraph, Vice President; Ms. Clementine Okoye, of Wazobia FM, Secretary General; Prince Stan Okenwa, of Champion Newspaper, Assistant Secretary General; Kelvin Igho Kagbare, of Maritime Nigeria Online, as Public Relations Officer; Innocent Orok, of This Page as Treasurer, and Femi Orioye, of OGBC FM as Financial Secretary.

Also, Elder Asu Beks; Mr. Ubon Akpan; Mr. Friday Odemena, and Mr. Eguono Odjegba, were elected members of the Board of Trustee (BoT) for the new Association.

Before now, NEWSVERGE recalled that not less than five media associations existed in the maritime media community, they are the League of Maritime Editors; the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN); Non-Aligned; the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) and the Independent Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (IMRAN).

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the industry especially, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have make several efforts to unify the different associations but the move always die a natural death even when it seem yielding owing to “personal interest” of some individuals.

On his arrival as the Minister of Transport, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, summoned representatives of the groups and expressed dissatisfaction at the existence of different associations in the maritime media community.

Amaechi, however advised the various groups put their house in order if they would want him relate with the media.

Earlier, Chris Iwarah, Esq, Chairman, AMJON Electoral Committee, during the inaugural election of the Association thanked every member who despite all odds fought to ensure the day became a reality.

“Today’s event, I dare say, is a product of an extremely tasking effort to redefine, reform, refine and refocus maritime journalism in Nigeria and beyond.

“When we began this journey to bring proliferation of associations in the maritime media community to a close, not a few dismissed the integrity of our determination, predicting that it was fated to fail. That expression of pessimism, I must admit, was not communicated in a vacuum.

“Given this background, the belief by some of our very respected colleagues that this new effort would crash like a pack of cards was quite in order. But what they failed to realised was that the state of affairs of the maritime media had begun to really worry productive members of the maritime media….then, our unwavering determination has brought us here today.”

He also mentioned that barriers were erected by different individuals to block the obviously popular will of maritime reporters to come under a singular umbrella, stating that members of the AMJON Electoral committee supported by the congress stood firm.

Chris Iwarah, however urged the newly elected officials to ensure stability and continuous mobilisation of prospective maritime journalists into the association.

“Be aware that winning is the easy part. There is the greater responsibility of mobilising our other prospective colleagues still sitting on the fence into the fold.”

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner of Police, Ports command described the election as most peaceful in the history of journalists conducting elections across all sectors.

The Commissioner of Police however assured the association of continuos support of the Command.

The representative of the Shippers Council appealed to the journalists to be more objective in their reportage.

Also, representative from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in his message congratulated the journalists for finally agreed to unify the maritime media community which he said has long be the desire of the industry players.

Mr. Yakubu, who represented Hajia Lami Tumaka, Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, promised to support the Association in all capacities.

Mr. Ismail Aniemu, President, thanked the congress for the trust they have reposed in him and promised not to betray the trust.

Aniemu, challenged members to see running of the association as a collective responsibility and also promised to leave the door of the association open to every maritime reporters who may be interested in joinning the team.

The President also assured the industry players of a new dawn in the area of reporting the industry.

“Let me assure you, you are going to see maritime reporting anchored on productivity, professionalism and responsibility.”

BoT members taking oath of office

Maritime journalists resolve differences, elects new exco, BoT members