By Innocent Orok
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has been unanimously nominated for the Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA) as “Marine and Blue Economy Pacesetter”.
In a nomination letter sent to the Minister, the organisers of the awards, Maritime Media Limited, publishers of Shipping World Magazine said “the MIMA,which enters its 27th edition this year is delighted to convey your nomination as recipient of THE MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY PACESETTER AWARD.
“The award is in recognition of your painstaking efforts to midwife this new ministry through your innovative leadership skills which you have demonstrated by engaging critical stakeholders to draw up a legal and policy framework which will serve as your compass as you navigate through these turbulent waters. As a thorough bred and a renowned technocrat, you have also been strategic in your drive to ensure that only the best minds and brains are assembled for the tasks ahead.”
The organisers also recognises the global campaign being carried out by the Minister to make sure Nigeria is re-elected into the Category C of the IMO.
“We also want to place on record , your recent global campaign to ensure that our beloved country occupies its rightful place in the comity of maritime nations by leading the race to return Nigeria to Category C of the IMO Council, a development that has attracted commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Your Excellency sir, you have also proven the doubting Thomases wrong with your recent unequivocal commitment to ensure that the controversial Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, is disbursed under your watch. Your wins as pioneer Minister of Marine and Blue Economy cannot be complete without a mention of your recent victory at the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting where you secured the Federal Government’s approval for Infrastructure upgrade at the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports.
“Or have we forgotten how you mobilized maritime stakeholders and the leadership of the House of Representatives towards a quick and seamless passage of the Ports and Shipping Economic Regulatory Authority bill which is awaiting concurrence at Senate, a development that will see the Nigerian Shippers Council transiting to the sole regulatory agency in the maritime sector.
“Consequently, the Editorial Board of Maritime Media Ltd, have found you worthy and eminently qualified for this award,given your exemplary leadership skills which stands you out not only as a team player ,but a silent achiever”, the letter stated.
The investiture ceremony of the MIMA will be Chaired by His Excellency, Dr (Sen) George Akume ,Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Oriental Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos, by 4pm prompt .
