The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola (CON), has approved the appointment of Dr. Bolaji Akinola as his Adviser on Media and Communications.
Our Correspondent reports that Dr. Akinola, a highly respected maritime and corporate communications expert, will bring his over two decades of experience and expertise in Maritime and logistics to bear in his new role as the media adviser to the honourable minister.
Dr. Akinola who has carved a nitch for himself in the maritime sub-sector of the economy over the years is the Chairman /CEO of Ships And Ports, a Maritime Media communications outfit with a strong brand in media relations. He has also used his platform for Maritime sector advocacy reforms and has consulted for various Maritime and shipping organizations.
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 which include; the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN).
He has also served as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) from 2011 to 2014, 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. His wealth of experience is expected to significantly enhance the Ministry’s engagement with stakeholders, the media, and the general public.
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.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Bolaji Akinola said , “I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in me by the Honourable Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola. The Marine and Blue Economy is a vital frontier for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth. I am committed to deploying my expertise to effectively communicate the Honourable Minister’s vision and the Ministry’s strategic initiatives to all stakeholders and the Nigerian people. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to contributing my quota to this important national assignment.”
Dr. Akinola is expected to bring his characteristic professionalism and insight to bear in supporting the Honourable Minister’s mandate to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.
By Bon Peters
