The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has commended the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola for appointing foremost maritime Journalists, Dr Bolaji Akiola, as Special Adviser on Media and Communications.
In a statement issued on Sunday, President of SCAN, Moses Ebosele and Secretary, Shulammite Olowofoyeku described Dr Akinola as a respected figure in the field of journalism, “whose input has shaped the status of the Nigerian maritime industry over the years”.
According to SCAN, Dr Akinola’s appointment reflects a profound commitment of the honourable minister to fostering transparent governance and effective communication within the Marine and Blue Economy sector.
Ebosele said: “We are highly elated that the minister recognized the importance of having individuals in advisory roles who not only possess a keen understanding of media but also share a genuine passion for promoting sustainable practices within our marine domain.
“Akinola has consistently demonstrated these qualities throughout his career, displaying a profound dedication to reporting on issues of operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and governmental accountability.
“As the Special Adviser on Media and Communications, we anticipate that his expertise will enhance public understanding and awareness of the critical initiatives being pursued by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy,” he stated.
According to the statement, SCAN encourages collaboration and transparency in reporting on matters that significantly impact our industry and particularly the Nigerian economy as a whole.
“We extend our congratulations to Akinola on this well-deserved appointment and express our eagerness to work collaboratively with the ministry in the quest for a robust Marine and Blue Economy industry,” Ebosele and Olowofoyeku added.
Akinola is the Chief Executive Officer of leading maritime media and public relations organization, Ships & Ports Communication Company, and he is widely recognized for his contributions to the discourse on port reforms, maritime security, shipping development, and the broader Blue Economy in Nigeria.
He holds a Doctorate degree in Media and Communications from the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.
He also holds two Masters degrees – MBA (Lagos Business School) and Master of Transport Management (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho).
He is a member of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN).
He served as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) from 2011 to 2014, and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (FNIS) and the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (FCISN), among others.
Akinola, a highly respected maritime and corporate communications expert, brings over twenty-five years of extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to his new role.
SCAN is a group of maritime journalists in the mainstream media (prints, television and online), consisting of professionals who are dedicated to the pursuit of truth, integrity, and excellence in reporting.
