Maritime Journalists Coalition to Honour Former NIWA MD, Oyebamiji, for Outstanding Media Engagement
A Coalition of Maritime Journalists has announced plans to pay a courtesy visit to Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Osun State. The visit is scheduled for the third week of January 2026.
The purpose of the visit is twofold: to express appreciation for Mr. Oyebamiji’s exceptional support to the maritime media during his tenure at NIWA, and to congratulate him on his recent political nomination. During the visit, the Coalition will also present a formal nomination letter for the “Most Media-Friendly CEO” award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to transparency, accessibility, and proactive media engagement.
According to the Coalition, Mr. Oyebamiji’s three-year leadership at NIWA marked a transformative era in media relations. He championed a hands-on approach to journalism, encouraging reporters to move beyond desk reporting by facilitating field visits to project sites, jetties, and inland waterways. This initiative provided journalists with firsthand exposure to operational realities, enriching the quality and depth of maritime reportage.
Veteran maritime journalist Frank Meke, speaking on behalf of the Coalition, noted, “Mr. Oyebamiji believed that informed reporting stems from direct experience. His administration ensured that journalists were not limited to press releases but were actively engaged in real-time developments across Nigeria’s inland waterways.”
The Coalition also highlighted Mr. Oyebamiji’s efforts to broaden the horizons of maritime journalism by supporting media tours to coastal states. These initiatives, they said, were instrumental in equipping journalists with practical insights to better inform public discourse and policy recommendations.
Journalists including Tola Adenubi, Innocent Orok, Yusuf Babalola, and Joshua Yousouph commended Mr. Oyebamiji’s pledge to maintain his strong rapport with the maritime press if elected Governor of Osun State. They emphasized his recognition of Osun’s cultural and environmental significance—particularly the Osun River and the globally renowned Osun Festival—as a testament to his appreciation for the role of media in promoting heritage and sustainable development.
“Mr. Oyebamiji understands the strategic importance of the media, especially within the maritime sector, in shaping public perception and influencing policy,” Meke added. “He has assured us that the same openness and respect we experienced at NIWA will continue in his future engagements.”
The Coalition described the upcoming visit as both a gesture of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the essential partnership between public institutions and the media in fostering transparency, development, and informed governance.
Further details regarding the visit and the award presentation will be announced in due course.
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