Oyetola hails Oyebamiji as transformative NIWA chief

The Minister of Marine and Blue Financial system, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the rapid previous Managing Director of the Nationwide Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, as a consummate public servant whose tenure repositioned NIWA inside Nigeria’s marine and blue economic system. He harassed that Oyebamiji’s tenure at NIWA introduced innovation, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement.

Oyetola acknowledged this not too long ago in Abuja whereas talking on the award presentation to Oyebamiji because the “Most Media Pleasant Maritime CEO”, organised by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, highlighting key security, income, and regulatory reforms achieved beneath his management at NIWA.

“You’re a consummate public servant whose tenure repositioned NIWA inside Nigeria’s marine and blue economic system by means of innovation, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement,” Oyetola mentioned.

He additionally counseled the organisers for selling accountability and professionalism within the maritime sector, stressing that specialised maritime journalism stays important in shaping public understanding, strengthening governance, and inspiring stakeholder participation. “By recognising leaders who uphold openness and constructive engagement with the media, you reinforce values that improve transparency and institutional credibility,” the Minister mentioned.

Oyetola famous that important income progress, improved operational effectivity, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and stronger regulatory oversight collectively strengthened the company’s monetary sustainability and repair supply throughout Nigeria’s inland waterways.

“One of the crucial enduring legacies of Oyebamiji’s tenure was the Inland Waterways Security Code, a landmark achievement that modernised regulation and improved security throughout the nation’s waterways,” Oyetola mentioned.

He added that NIWA additionally strengthened enforcement mechanisms, improved monitoring of waterway operations, and strengthened collaboration with safety companies, initiatives which have contributed to safer operations and elevated public confidence in inland water transport. In line with the Minister, Oyebamiji’s management fashion, marked by humility, firmness, inclusiveness, and accountability, made him accessible to each trade gamers and journalists, qualities that earned him the popularity.

In a goodwill message, the appearing Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Girei, praised Oyebamiji for remodeling the Authority’s work tradition and aligning its programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Girei mentioned NIWA, beneath Oyebamiji, carried out value-driven programmes, strengthening employees dedication. “Past insurance policies and infrastructure, the human lives rescued, companies stabilised, and households positively impacted are legacies we’re proud to uphold,” he mentioned.

Earlier, the convener of the award, Mr Frank Meke, defined that the award celebrates maritime leaders who worth transparency, media partnership, and information-sharing in constructing sustainable establishments. He famous that Oyebamiji’s accessibility, responsiveness, and encouragement of first-hand reporting throughout NIWA operations distinguished him as a deserving recipient.

“Leaders like Oyebamiji see the media not as adversaries however as companions in improvement, offering help, fostering a conducive work setting, and inspiring area reporting to make sure correct protection,” Meke mentioned.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji described the award as the results of collective effort throughout his tenure. He additionally paid tribute to Oyetola, whom he described as a mentor and chief, acknowledging his help from their early days on the Osun State Funding Firm by means of his roles as Commissioner for Finance, aide on the Federal Ministry, and finally NIWA boss. Oyebamiji lauded journalists for reporting from high-risk waterways, noting that such engagement raised security consciousness and strengthened public understanding of inland waterway operations.

The ceremony drew prime authorities officers, maritime stakeholders, and trade gamers, celebrating Oyebamiji’s management legacy and collaborative engagement with the media in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economic system agenda.