APFFLON, AMATO Lauds Dr Akinola’s Appointment as Minister Oyetola’s Media Adviser
L-R: APFFLON President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, Dr Bolaji Akinola and the President of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) have commeended the recent appointment of Dr Bolaji Akinola as adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Both APFFLON and AMATO have charged Dr Akinola to use his new position to foster collaboration and dialogues which would promote the freight forwarding industry and haulage business at the port.
In separate statements issued over the weekend, the two organisations described Dr Akinola’s appointment as well deserved, adding that his wealth of experience would significantly enhance the Ministry’s engagement with stakeholders, the media, and the general public.
APFFLON through its National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Dr Akinola as a maritime expert whose years of practice has affected the overall development and growth of the maritime industry for almost three decades.
“We have no doubts that this latest appointment by Minister Oyetola would further cement the relationship between the industry stakeholders and the ministry which has hitherto been non-existent
“We believe that Dr Akinola’s coming on board would further avail the ministry a firsthand information on happenings in the sector and he would now be able to feel the pulse of operators on effect of government policies, and even take actionable feedbacks for the overall growth of the sector”
“We at APFFLON commend the Minister for this appointment, it is a round peg in a round hole” Ogunojemite stated.
Speaking in the same vein, the AMATO through its National President, Chief Remi Ogungbemi noted that Dr Akinola has built a strong reputation in the Nigerian maritime space, even as he has through his analysis interrogated and changed prominent government policies as they affect the industry.
“As one of the critical stakeholders in the haulage sector of the Marine and Blue Economy ministry, we are satisfied to note that the Minister has appointed a seasoned maritime expert onboard his administration.
“We believe that Dr Akinola would provide the access for needed interaction with the Ministry which would further enhance the ease of doing business at our ports” Chief Ogungbemi stated
Dr. Akinola, a highly respected maritime and corporate communications expert, brings over twenty-five years of extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to his new role.
He is the CEO of leading maritime media and public relations organization, Ships & Ports Communication Company, and is widely recognized for his contributions to the discourse on port reforms, maritime security, shipping development, and the broader Blue Economy in Nigeria.
Akinola holds a Doctorate degree in Media and Communications from the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. He also holds two Masters degrees – MBA (Lagos Business School) and Master of Transport Management (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho).
He is a member of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN).
He served as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) from 2011 to 2014, and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (FNIS) and the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (FCISN), among others.
In his capacity as Media and Communications Adviser, Dr. Akinola will be responsible for shaping and managing media relations, guiding communication strategies, and ensuring effective dissemination of information regarding the Ministry’s policies, programmes, and initiatives aimed at harnessing the potentials of Nigeria’s vast marine resources.
The appointment underscores the Honourable Minister’s commitment to strengthening the Ministry’s communication framework and ensuring that the vision and achievements within the critical Marine and Blue Economy sector are clearly and effectively articulated.
