NIMASA Retirees Elect 9-Member New Exco, As Abass Emerge President

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

The NIMASA Retirees Association (NIRETA) has elected a new nine-member executive expected to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.

The Association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Waheed Ajani, in a press statement said the Executive Committee election which held on Wednesday, July 15th, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the group’s democratic journey and commitment to effective leadership.

He said the election witnessed a huge turnout of eligible members from across the country, demonstrating the association’s vibrant internal democracy and the members’ dedication to its mission and vision.

Among the executives, a former director, Pastor Olayemi Abass, emerged the new President of NIRETA with Mrs. Ugona Irene Macfoy as Vice President, and Alhaji Suleiman Adama,ficm, Secretary General.

Others are Mrs.Grace Iyabo Odeyemi, Assistant Secretary; Musa Yakubu Ibrahim, Treasurer; Abdulkadir Aliyu Kolapo, Legal Adviser; Chinekezi Chinweike, Financial Secretary; John Olukayode Ayodele, Public Relations Officer; and Chief Akpasibu Aigboche as Welfare Officer.

The election was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, with the electoral committee receiving commendations for neutrality and professionalism.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected President, Pastor Abass, thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and other elected officials, promising to bring experience, vision and integrity to bear in advancing the goals of the association.

He called on members to work together in unity and commitment to reposition NIRETA as a national force for progress and policy influence.

He thanked the outgoing Acting President, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Bello and the executive for creditably overseeing the affairs of NIRETA during their tenure.

While the Election Committee headed by Capt. Green Ekeledo was commended for transparency, the newly elected executive is expected to commence work with strategic engagements, including the strengthening of partnerships with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), key industry stakeholders, and actors in the nation’s blue economy space.

NIRETA, founded fifteenth years ago, remains committed to leveraging the expertise of its members in driving national development, fostering knowledge-sharing, and mentoring younger professionals.