The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has commended Mr. Tola Adenubi, Maritime Editor of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, for his outstanding performance at the recently concluded 2025 Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA).

Dr. Akutah, who hosted the Assistant Business Editor of the Tribune in his Apapa office on Tuesday, praised the journalist’s dedication to excellence and professionalism in maritime reporting. The MIMA award, he said, is a recognition of journalistic integrity and a token of appreciation for media practitioners who have distinguished themselves in the industry.

“This award is one of the little ways of saying thank you to people who have done well; who have excelled in their field of journalism,” Dr. Akutah stated. “Today, everyone is becoming a journalist because of social media platforms that give people the opportunity to write and critique. But professional journalists who follow up stories and dig into the truth will always stand out.”

The NSC boss emphasized the continued relevance of traditional media in the face of growing social media influence, noting that many people still rely on conventional journalism because of the depth, accuracy, and ethical standards it upholds.

Offering advice to journalists, Dr. Akutah stressed the importance of responsibility and balance in reporting. “Whatever story you want to come up with, remember it can damage someone or make someone. Always strive for balance so the public sees the truth in your reporting,” he advised.

He further added that journalism should not be about sensationalism but about protecting the identity and credibility of the writer through truthful and well-researched content.

Dr. Akutah’s remarks reaffirm the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s support for ethical journalism and its commitment to fostering a professional media landscape in the maritime sector.