A new leadership era has begun at the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria following a tightly-contested election that produced Oluyinka Onigbinde as the new President of the association.
Onigbinde, who serves as Assistant Editor of Shipping Position Daily, defeated veteran maritime journalist, John Iwori, in a keenly-watched contest held during the association’s elective congress.
The election attracted strong participation from members of the association, reflecting heightened interest in the future direction of one of Nigeria’s foremost maritime journalism bodies.
At the end of the exercise, Onigbinde secured 20 votes to emerge victorious, while Iwori garnered 13 votes from a total of 33 accredited votes cast during the poll.
The outcome signalled a decisive shift in leadership within MARAN, with members expressing confidence in the ability of the new executives to reposition the association and strengthen professional standards in maritime journalism.
Emerging unopposed as Vice President was Obasi Sylvanus, while Fabian Anawo clinched the position of General Secretary.
Also elected into the new executive council was Ojelabi Amina as Assistant General Secretary, while Ayanfeoluwa Providence emerged as Public Relations Officer.
In the same vein, Ruth Umuna was elected Treasurer, while Ambrose Okehi emerged unopposed as Financial Secretary.
Industry stakeholders and members of the maritime media community are expected to closely watch the new administration as it assumes responsibility for advancing professionalism, unity, welfare and ethical reporting within the sector.
The emergence of Onigbinde is widely seen as a defining moment for MARAN, with expectations high that the new leadership will deepen the association’s influence in Nigeria’s maritime industry and reinforce its voice on critical national shipping and port development issues.