Editors Frowns At Snubbish Attitude of Maritime Agencies’ CEOs

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The League of Maritime Editors and Publishers (LOMEP) weekend slammed chiefs’ executive officers (CEOs) of government agencies in the maritime industry for looking down on the beat reporters, correspondents and editors, noting that the attitude smacks of arrogance, lack of respect and appreciation for media practitioners in the industry.

Apparently unhappy about the ugly situation, the League warned that the beat associations may henceforth embark on a tooth for taath response if the development continues, noting that there is no reason appointees of the leadership of maritime agencies  should consider themselves better educated or more committed to nation building than gentlemen of the forth estate of the realm.

The League President, Chief Timothy Okorocha who voiced out the concerns of the industry journalists at the LOMEP Annual AGM/Seminar at the Lagos Airport Hotel Friday, August 23, 2024 expressed dissatisfaction with the way and manner government parastals’ CEOs consistently abstain from industry events organized  by the media; regularly throwing up lame excuses.

While presenting his welcome address on the seminar with the theme “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry; Challenges of Customs Revenue Generation/Anti-smuggling Operations, Chief Okorocha said:

“While these CEOs and their respective organizations have maritime journalists at their beck and call to cover their events, they are fond of shunning media group’s invitations to events despite that these workshops and conferences are industry-tailored and directly linked to their operations and services.

“It is even more disturbing to note that some of these CEOs who neglect to accord the maritime media their personal presence quite often host non-industry media groups and different camps of stakeholders within and outside the industry but consistently throw us excuses why they are unable to set aside few hours to identify with the industry media.

“I don’t know what makes them think that throwing some peanuts at the maritime media from the huge media budget at their control, that they have done more than enough and look past us as they wish.”

Okorocha who handed over the rein of leadership of the League to Mrs. Remi Itie elected the day before, called for a stop to the unacceptable attitude which he noted is a recent development in the past couple of years, however charged the industry’s media practitioners and beat associations to sit up and refuse to accept such subtle disrespect in the future.

“Nothing is more demeaning than for a CEO to be in office for three straight years and refuse to show up in any event organized by media and beat associations because they think that associating with journalists outside their events is perhaps beneath them. We know where and how they squander their media budgets but that is a matter for another day.”

This is even  he singled out a former Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr Hassan Bello, for commendation, for his sincere relationship with the maritime media throughout leadership years at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

“Barr Bello is a one-upstairs man that never forgot to identify with those downstairs as he was always with journalists at critical moments.  Hassan Bello would visit the secretariat of beat associations if we lost any member. He was at the candle light of Ifeyinwa Obi, the late MARAN President. During the covid 19 pandemic when one of us, Wale Oni ran into problem with twisted diagnosis,  Hassan Bello was right on ground helping to contact medical facilities for rapid response.”

While acknowledging the existence of quacks in maritime reporting and the media, he expressed optimism about ongoing efforts by relevant organs in the success of weeding out quackery as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has applauded the maritime media for its role in information dissemination and education of the general public regarding the industry’s news reportage and developmental journalism, noting that media is key to unlocking the full Potentials of the blue economy.

Represented by Babatunde Sule, Director Maritime Services, Oyetola commended the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for creating the ministry, stating the creation of the ministry is a clear indication of President Tinubu’s political will to ensure that Nigeria reclaims its rightful place amongst the committee of maritime nations.

“Maritime Industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods, with our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa. The creation of this Ministry therefore reflects Governments commitment to building a future where the Blue Economy plays a major role in national prosperity.

“The vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to create the Ministry is a monumental step towards harnessing the vast untapped potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector. This decision is not only a demonstration of the Presidents deep understanding of the economic possibilities of the sector, but also a clear indication of his political will to ensure that Nigeria reclaims its rightful place as a key maritime player globally.

“The maritime industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. With our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa. The creation of this Ministry therefore reflects Government’s commitment to building a future where the blue economy plays major role in national prosperity.

“In bringing this vision to life, we are working to reposition the sector by improving port efficiency, enhancing infrastructure, boosting maritime security, and developing the workforce. Additionally, we aim to sustainably leverage maritime resources to create jobs, increase revenue, and promote environmental stewardship.”

Commending the League for its effort in bringing attention to the sectors challenges and opportunities, he appealed for the sustenance of the industry/media partnership at all time.

“To achieve these goals, we need the media as a critical partner. As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, your role in shaping public perception and highlighting critical issues is very essential. Through your platforms, you can showcase the maritime sector’s potentials and its benefits to all Nigerians.

“I encourage you to continue highlighting the opportunities in this space, showcase the successes, and ensure that public and private stakeholders are held accountable. Your role in informing and educating the public will be key to unlocking the full potentials of the blue economy.”

He continued: “We rely on you to emphasize the maritime sector’s vast potentials and amplify the message that it can significantly boost our GDP, create millions of jobs, and open new avenues for investment and innovation. This can only be achieved if the sector receives the required attention, support, commitment and involvement of all Nigerians.

“In concluding my speech, let me state that the Ministry is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders, particularly the media, to foster a globally competitive and sustainable maritime industry. Together, we can position the blue economy as a major source of growth and opportunity for Nigeria.”