A Coalition of Maritime Journalists has announced plans to pay a courtesy visit to the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Osun State, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, by the third week of January 2026.
According to the Coalition, the visit is aimed at formally appreciating Mr. Oyebamiji for his outstanding support for the maritime media during his tenure at NIWA, as well as to congratulate and wish him well on his recent political nomination.
The journalists disclosed that the visit would also provide an opportunity to present a formal letter nominating Mr. Oyebamiji for the award of Most Media-Friendly CEO. The nomination, they said, is in recognition of his consistent openness, accessibility, and commitment to strengthening media engagement within the maritime sector. Discussions are also expected to hold on a mutually convenient date for the conferment of the award.
Members of the Coalition noted that Mr. Oyebamiji’s three-year leadership at NIWA marked a clear departure from conventional media relations. They said he deliberately encouraged journalists to go beyond desk reporting by supporting extensive field coverage across waterways, jetties, project sites, and other operational areas.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, a senior maritime journalist, Mr. Frank Meke, said Mr. Oyebamiji “believed that informed reporting comes from direct exposure.” He added that journalists under his administration were not limited to press releases but were actively exposed to real-time developments across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The Coalition further recalled that part of Mr. Oyebamiji’s vision was to broaden the professional exposure of maritime reporters by facilitating visits to coastal states nationwide. This initiative, they said, was designed to equip journalists with practical insights that would enhance informed analysis and constructive advisory contributions to government and industry stakeholders.
Maritime journalists Tola Adenubi, Innocent Orok, Yusuf Babalola, and Joshua Yousouph also acknowledged Mr. Oyebamiji’s assurances that his cordial relationship with the maritime press would be sustained if elected Governor of Osun State.
They noted that he consistently highlighted Osun State’s significance as the custodian of the globally renowned Osun Festival and the Osun River, stressing the continued relevance of environmental, cultural, and waterways-focused reporting in the state.
“He understands the strategic role of the media, especially the maritime press, in shaping public understanding and policy direction. He has assured us that the same openness, respect, and encouragement we enjoyed at NIWA will continue,” Mr. Meke remarked.
The Coalition described the planned visit as both a gesture of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the critical partnership between public office holders and the media in promoting transparency, development, and informed governance.
