Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a significant move to enhance the skills of maritime sector reporters in the Niger Delta, the Energy and Maritime Reporters, EMR, of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council, has announced plans to hold its maiden awards and seminar.
The event scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2024 will take place at the NUJ House in Port Harcourt, with the theme “Understanding the Maritime Subsector and Issues in the Coastal States,” with a sub-theme on “Maritime Safety Concerns and Approaches.”
A statement by the Chairman, Organising Committee, Mr Ignatius Chukwu, announced that that the keynote speaker and Chief Executive Officer of Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, Dr Charles Wami, will lead discussions on critical maritime safety issues.
Chukwu noted that the event aims to bridge the gap between maritime journalists in the Niger Delta and their counterparts in Lagos, reinforcing the region’s pivotal role in maritime coverage.
“In addition to the seminar, the event will celebrate excellence in journalism with the Best Maritime Reporters Awards, sponsored by the Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji Foundation. Elshcon Nigeria Limited will be honored as the Maritime Company of the Year 2024.
“Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara is expected to serve as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ben Chima, who will officially open the seminar.
“Dr. Daniel Tamunodukobipi, National Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects, NIMENA, will chair the occasion, with additional insights from industry experts to elevate the standards of maritime reporting in the Niger Delta region,” the statement said.
