A group of maritime journalists has scheduled a courtesy visit to former National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji during the third week of January 2026, according to an official statement from the Coalition’s spokesperson, Joshua Yousouph, ANIPR.
The visit aims to recognize Oyebamiji’s support of maritime media during his tenure at NIWA and to congratulate him on his recent nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for Osun State.
During the meeting, journalists plan to present a formal nomination letter for the “Most Media-Friendly CEO” award, acknowledging Oyebamiji’s accessibility and commitment to press engagement in the maritime sector. The group will also discuss scheduling the award presentation ceremony.
Coalition members noted that Oyebamiji’s three-year leadership at NIWA transformed traditional media relations by encouraging field reporting rather than relying solely on press releases. His administration facilitated journalist access to project sites, waterways, jetties, and operational facilities across Nigeria’s inland waterways system.
“He believed that informed reporting comes from direct exposure,” said Frank Meke, a senior maritime journalist speaking for the Coalition. The group emphasized that Oyebamiji’s approach included organizing visits to coastal states, providing journalists with practical knowledge to offer meaningful analysis to government and industry stakeholders.
Journalists including Tola Adenubi, Innocent Orok, Hyacinth Nwafor, Yusuf Babalola, and Joshua Yousouph highlighted Oyebamiji’s commitment to maintaining strong media relations if elected governor. They noted his recognition of Osun State’s significance as home to the internationally recognized Osun Festival and Osun River, areas requiring continued environmental and cultural coverage.
“He understands the strategic role of the media in shaping public understanding and policy direction,” Meke observed, adding that Oyebamiji has pledged to continue the same collaborative approach in his potential gubernatorial role.
The Coalition characterized the upcoming visit as an expression of appreciation and a reinforcement of the partnership between public officials and journalists in advancing transparency and informed governance.
Additional information about the visit and award ceremony will be announced later.
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