Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has appointed maritime industry veteran Dr. Bolaji Akinola as his Adviser on Media and Communications. The appointment is aimed at enhancing the Ministry’s strategic communication and stakeholder engagement as it drives growth in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sectors.
Dr. Akinola brings over 25 years of experience in maritime and corporate communications to the role. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Ships & Ports Communication Company, a leading maritime media and public relations firm. His career spans strategic communications, maritime policy analysis, port reforms, shipping development, and security within the maritime sector.
Akinola holds a Doctorate in Media and Communications from Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. He also holds an MBA from Lagos Business School and a Master’s in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.
He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK), and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN). He is also a fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (FNIS) and the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (FCISN).
In his new role, Dr. Akinola will be responsible for shaping media relations, guiding communication strategies, and ensuring the effective dissemination of information on Ministry policies, programmes, and initiatives.
Reacting to his appointment, Dr. Akinola said:
“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in me. I am committed to deploying my expertise to effectively communicate the Honourable Minister’s vision and the Ministry’s strategic initiatives to all stakeholders and the Nigerian people,” he said.
