The Vice President, Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Paul Ogbuokiri (right), presenting the Excellence Award to the General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications, Nigerian Ports Authority, Ikechukwu Onyemekara in his office.
The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ikechukwu Onyemekara, has been named the Maritime Public Relations Professional of the Year 2025 by the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON).
MARCON said Onyemekara emerged winner following a rigorous evaluation of his contributions to maritime communication, public affairs engagement and sectoral development over the past year.
The award was presented to Onyemekara on Thursday, December 11, 2025, by MARCON’s Vice President, Paul Ogbuokiri, during a brief ceremony at the organisation’s office.
According to MARCON, Onyemekara has played a pivotal role in strengthening media relations, promoting transparency and projecting Nigeria’s maritime interests at regional and global levels, including through engagements at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The association added that he has distinguished himself over decades of service marked by professionalism, strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to improving NPA’s communication framework and stakeholder engagement.
Speaking during the presentation, Ogbuokiri described Onyemekara’s professional record as exemplary, noting that he embodies the highest standards of public relations practice in the maritime industry.
“Mr. Onyemekara has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of expertise, depth and responsiveness in his communication approach. His contributions have continued to enhance the visibility and credibility of the Nigerian Ports Authority and, by extension, the entire maritime sector,” he said.
In his response, Onyemekara expressed gratitude to MARCON for the recognition. He attributed the NPA’s ongoing quiet transformation—reflected in increased trade and revenue—to the authority’s sustained collaboration with the media. He urged media professionals to continue supporting the NPA and the initiatives of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stressing that their partnership remains vital to enabling the maritime sector to fully contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets the evolution of Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy.
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