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 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, by the third week of January 2026.
The Coalition said the visit is intended to formally appreciate Oyebamiji for his notable support for the maritime media during his tenure at NIWA, as well as to congratulate him on his recent nomination as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Osun State.
According to the journalists, the visit will also provide an opportunity to present Oyebamiji with a formal letter nominating him for the award of Most Media-Friendly CEO.
The award, they explained, is in recognition of his 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 Oyebamiji’s three-year tenure as NIWA Managing Director marked a significant shift from routine media relations, as he encouraged journalists to go beyond desk reporting. They said he consistently supported field coverage, enabling reporters to visit waterways, jetties, project sites and other operational areas to gain first-hand knowledge of sector activities.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, veteran maritime journalist, Mr. Frank Meke, said Oyebamiji believed that informed reporting thrives on direct exposure, adding that his administration ensured journalists were actively involved in real-time developments across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The Coalition also recalled that Oyebamiji promoted wider exposure for maritime reporters by facilitating visits to coastal states, a move they said helped journalists acquire practical insights necessary for informed analysis and constructive advisory contributions to government and industry stakeholders.
Maritime journalists, including Tola Adenubi, Innocent Orok, Yusuf Babalola and Joshua Yousouph, also acknowledged Oyebamiji’s assurances that his cordial relationship with the maritime press would be sustained if elected Governor of Osun State.
They noted his recognition of Osun State as the custodial home of the globally celebrated Osun Festival and the Osun River, highlighting the continued importance of environmental, cultural and waterways-related reporting in the state.
“He understands the strategic role of the media, especially the maritime press, in shaping public understanding and policy direction, and has assured us that the same openness and respect we enjoyed at NIWA will continue,” Meke said.
The Coalition described the planned visit as both a gesture of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the partnership between public office holders and the media in promoting transparency, development and informed governance.
Further details on the visit and award ceremony are expected to be announced in due course.