By Foster Obi

Foremost Maritime Association, Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is hitting the streets with the second edition of its newspaper which debuted during the 2023 Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) conference in December.

MARAN by all standards is playing the role of the watchdog in the Maritime industry and is amplifying this role further with the launch of a monthly newspaper.

The second edition which will be in the stands next week is another radical step by MARAN to remain the frontrunner in its agenda setting function, playing up issues for industry and national discourse.

By establishing a newspaper, MARAN understands that there is so much in the industry that is flushed under the carpet and these misdeamours must be brought under public scrutiny.

Again, there are cases of complicity, corruption couched in official googledegook, undue negligence, nepotism, impudence, dereliction of duty, amongst others.

The monthly newspaper is a testament to MARAN’s devoted patriotism to renewed hope even as it vows to hold public officers accountable as well as showcasing the virtues of those with excellent qualities.

The Editorial team of the newspaper is made of men and women of sound mind,  who are also tested and trusted.

While the President, Godfrey Bivbere serves as the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Veteran journalist, Alex Akao is the Editorial Board Chairman. Foster Obi, a former News Editor at the Sun Newspaper is the Editor of the paper even as Izuchukwu Ozoemena, immediate past Editor of Business and Maritime West Africa, serves as the Production Editor. They are supported by other members of the editorial team, who are experts in their own areas.

It is noteworthy that the support of the whole industry to this noble objective will go a long in helping MARAN reposition the industry by playing the role of watchdog and partner.