It was a night of reflection, pride, and nostalgia as PortNews, Nigeria’s oldest maritime newspaper, marked its 30th anniversary in grand style.
The celebration, held at Rock View Hotel, Apapa, brought together top industry figures, journalists, and maritime stakeholders who gathered to honour a publication that has weathered tides and storms to become a symbol of resilience and excellence.
From its modest debut on November 6, 1995, PortNews has evolved from a one-man dream into an enduring institution that shaped the course of maritime and aviation journalism in Nigeria.
For its founder and publisher, Mr. Wale Oni, the journey was one of faith, sacrifice, and divine providence — a story that moved many to applause and tears during his heartfelt address.
“I started PortNews not believing it would survive,” Oni confessed, recalling the uncertain beginnings that almost sank the dream before it even set sail.
Having previously worked with Nigeria’s first maritime newspaper, Freight Monitor, which folded within ten months, Oni found himself jobless but not defeated.
With only a handful of funds and the unshaken support of a loyal friend, Ikechukwu Jibuno, Oni printed the maiden edition at the Vanguard Newspapers press. But after that came the grim reality — there was no money for a second edition. “We had no idea how to go on,” he said softly. “But God Almighty is ever sufficient.”
Fate soon intervened in the form of a young Customs officer — Bashir Adewale Adeniyi — then Public Relations Officer at the Tin Can Island Command. Adeniyi, now Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, extended an unexpected hand of support that became the lifeline of PortNews.
“He invited me to his office, gave me advice, and handed me a list of agents,” Oni recalled emotionally. “‘Tell them you’re from me,’ he said. That singular act of kindness kept PortNews alive — and kept maritime journalism alive in Nigeria.”
The hall erupted in applause as Oni paid tribute to the men and women who believed in his vision — industry pioneers such as Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and Hajia Bola Muse — names that have since become synonymous with maritime development in Nigeria.
Oni described the maritime sector as “Nigeria’s economic shock absorber,” a pillar that has remained unshaken through recessions and policy upheavals. “It has never been grounded by any of the country’s crises,” he noted. “The Customs, NPA, and NIMASA continue to meet and surpass revenue targets. That is the true strength of the maritime industry.”
The 30th-anniversary ceremony was not just a celebration of PortNews, but also a recognition of the trailblazers who have shaped the sector’s growth through innovation, leadership, and philanthropy. Among them was Prince Segun Oduntan, National Vice President of ANLCA, whose firm, Settle Systems Nigeria Limited, received an award for its outstanding contribution to port development.
Also honoured was Hajia Bola Muse, National Treasurer of ANLCA and Founder of Bomarah Investment Limited, who received the Port Masters Award for her dedication to humanitarian causes and empowerment of women across the maritime value chain.
The prestigious Nigerian Maritime Legend Award went to Prince Olayiwola Shittu, former ANLCA President and Chairman of Skelas Group, in recognition of his visionary leadership and lasting impact on freight forwarding and logistics in Nigeria.
Other honorees included industry giants such as Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho of Integrated Oil and Gas, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi of SIFAX Group, Olori Princess Vicky Haastrup of ENL Consortium, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam of NAGAFF, Chief Famous Enearu of Classic Bonded Terminal, and Chief Dennis Okafor of Denca Services Ltd.
Institutional awards also went to the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, and Comet Shipping Agencies.
As music played and applause filled the Rock View Hall, it became clear that PortNews had grown beyond a newspaper — it had become an institution, a living chronicle of Nigeria’s maritime evolution. “That help from CGC Adeniyi birthed a new genre of journalism,” Oni reminded the audience. “Today, hundreds of Nigerians earn a living through maritime reporting.”
From its fragile first print run to becoming the longest-running maritime and aviation newspaper in the country, PortNews has told the stories of Nigeria’s ports, chronicled decades of reforms, and amplified the voices that power trade and industry.
Three decades later, PortNews stands as a lighthouse on the turbulent seas of journalism — illuminating truth, promoting excellence, and anchoring the legacy of maritime reporting in Nigeria for generations to come.
