"Shining a Consistent Light": How Media Moves Genuine Problems Into Policy Consciousness - Captain Iheanacho
Bisi Akingbade
The former Minister of Interior and Master Mariner, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho has rolled out the significance of sustaining a tradition of professional engagement in a sector that is both vital to Nigeria economy and often insufficiently understood by the wider public.
He said leadership in journalism is not easy but it demands courage, persistence, judgement, and often the willingness to stand alone in defence of facts.
Capt. Iheanacho made this disclosure at the Maritime Reporter's Association of Nigeria, MARAN, Reception for Past President, on Thursday at the Rock view Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
He enumerated four major power that really sustain attention and these are Agenda- Setting, Accountability, Public Education - Translating a technical industry and Stakeholder Mobilisations - Building Consensus for progress
In his analysis of Agenda- Setting, he said "In my years in business, I learnt very early that many genuine industry problems do not move upward into policy consciousness until the media shines a consistent light on them.
But once these issues became recurring media subjects, they moved from private frustration to public concern.
He said the value of agenga-setting is
When the media repeatedly highlights inefficiencies in our port corridors, or the need for modernisation, or the opportunities of the Blue Economy, it helps convert neglected concerns into national priorities.
"Many of us in industry have benefitted from this constructive spotlight. There were times when well-researched reporting helped government better understand the practical realities facing operators.
"However, I must add a word of caution from experience. Agenda-setting is most valuable when it is sustained, balanced, and informed. It is less useful when it becomes episodic—loud during crisis, silent during reform.
"We need journalism that follows issues beyond the headline and accompanies policy until results are delivered."
He said scrutiny is necessary in public revenue, international trade, multiple regulators for it to thrive.The maritime media has often played this role creditably by exposing:
Administrative bottlenecks Corruption risks, Policy contradictions, Operational inefficiencies, Delays that impose costs on businesses and consumers alike
On Public Education:
Capt. Iheanacho noted that "Our maritime industry is not always easy to understand. Shipping, marine insurance, vessel finance, customs systems, port concessioning, cabotage, freight logistics, international conventions—these are specialised subjects. Yet policy in these areas affects ordinary Nigerians every day through prices, jobs, trade flows, and national competitiveness.
This is why public education is one of the noblest functions of maritime journalism".
Capt. Iheanacho, who was ably represented by Barrister Emeka Akabogu explained that there is need for Stakeholder Mobilisations- Building Consensus for Progress
"No maritime sector develops through isolated effort.
Government alone cannot do it,
Private investors alone cannot do it,
Regulators alone cannot do it,
Operators alone cannot do it.
Progress comes when stakeholders move in alignment.
The media often provides the platform where that alignment begins."
He concluded that where the media is responsible, informed, and courageous, industries progress faster.
Where reporting is careless, shallow, or easily swayed, progress becomes harder.
Nigeria needs a maritime media that is fearless but fair, Critical but constructive, Independent but informed and Energetic but disciplined.
The Pioneer President of MARAN, Rev. Albany Opara while briefing stakeholders on the birth of MARAN revealed that "reporters would daily snick into the ports without accreditation. Walked from one berth to the last berth of the Apapa and Tincan ports like sheep without shepherd or like ship without rudder. "We were indeed doing exclusive reporting and Maritime stories were sure Newspaper, Magazines lead or front page stories in the Radio and the television.
He noted that there was no room for story syndication "Our newspaper competed with each other by our reports. We rejected "envelope" or "egunje".
Opara further stated that the purpose of establishing the Association was to protect the interest of maritime reporters, make maritime industry operators appreciate the contribution of the media to the development of the sector, contribute to the national economic and maritime industry development, and cover and project the Nigeria maritime industry to global maritime sector in way that they would recognize and see the Nigeria industry operators as viable partners they could not ignore.
He added that certain achievements like promulgation of the National Shipping Policy decree, passing of cabotage law, official recognition of maritime reporting or Journalism in the sector, continuous industry training that the journalists are receiving both home and abroad has been made.
The Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Maritime Reporter's Association of Nigeria, MARAN, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, in his welcome Address commended the invaluable wisdom, experience and guidance of the past leadership of the . Association for the he said "When my team and I assumed responsibility as the caretaker committee, one of our foremost priorities was to reconnect with our roots by honouring these great men. This event is not just a celebration; it is a reminder that their labour was not in vain. Nearly four decades later, MARAN remains strong, relevant, and growing.
"Our past presidents are not only accomplished journalists but have also distinguished themselves in various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Their contributions continue to shape the nation in meaningful ways. From leadership in public service to continued mentorship and support for the media, they remain pillars of excellence and inspiration.
"Those pioneers, some of whom are here with us today, laid the foundation for what MARAN has become. Today, many of them are in their 60s and 70s, and we gather here not just to celebrate their years, but to honour their enduring legacy, sacrifice, and vision.
"We also remember with deep respect those among them who are no longer with us. They played their part in building this association and advancing the maritime industry. May their souls continue to rest in peace. I kindly request that we observe a moment of silence in their honour.
"Our past presidents are not only accomplished journalists but have also distinguished themselves in various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Their contributions continue to shape the nation in meaningful ways. From leadership in public service to continued mentorship and support for the media, they remain pillars of excellence and inspiration."
The highlight of the event was the Awards and certificates presentation to the past presidents of the Association.
