All is now set for the smooth takeoff of the maiden Association of Maritime Journalists’ of Nigeria’s (AMJON) from tomorrow, Wednesday at the prestigious Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry in Lagos.
A statement issued by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Paul Ogbuokiri and President of the association, Mr. Ismail Aniemu, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and all heads of agencies in the ministry have confirmed attendance.
Coming with the theme: ‘Increasing Investment Opportunities in Nigeria’s Rich Maritime and Oil & Gas Sectors’; the programme will attract stakeholders, investors, the Nigerian Navy, government agencies and others.
Also, the Lagos State governor; Mr. Akinwumi Ambode will be the Chief Host, while the Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi will declare the event open.
President of AMJON, Mr. Ismail Anienu while speaking on what informed the retreat said, “We at AMJON believe in capacity building for maritime journalists. We also seek ways of contributing to national development, nudging policy makers to the realities in the maritime and oil and gas sectors, as well as setting agenda for government and operators in the maritime and oil and gas sectors of the ecdonomy”.
Additional details in the statement revealed that key topics that will be discussed at the retreat, include; (a) Public Private Participation (PPP) in Sea Ports Development: Evaluation of Port Concession and Green Field Development;(b) Emerging status of Badagry as maritime, oil and gas hub: Opportunities, expectations and issues; (c) SOLARS convention, NIMASA and safe shipping on Nigerian waters; Challenges and expectations and (d) Poverty Eradication; Greenfield port development as catalyst for wealth creation and job opportunities. Prince Tony Momoh is billed to take the participating journalists on a retraining lecture titled: News reporting, censorship and press freedom in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety agency, (NIMASA), National Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA) Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC); Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron; Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are among agencies that will present papers.
