Why maritime media is celebrating Onyemekara’s appointment as NPA spokesman
Maureen Aguta
Since the announcement of appointment of new the General Managers of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and reshuffling of others by the Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho; one name that has caused a lot of excitement among the Nigerian maritime media, is Mr. Ikechukwu Chika Onyemekara.
Onyemekara, one of the newly appointed General Managers, has been deployed to the Corporate and Strategic Communication Division as its General Manager.
Onyemekara brings a wealth of experience in marketing and public relations and years of professional experience in the job.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the same field.
Onyemekara’s career with the NPA began in 1992 as a marketing officer, where he gained significant expertise in the maritime industry.
His interpersonal skills and ability to interact with key stakeholders soon saw him transition into strategic roles within the commercial department.
Recognising his people management abilities, NPA management redeployed Onyemekara to the Public Affairs Division, where his strong performance and results-driven approach led to his appointment as Technical Assistant Protocol.
In this role, he coordinated media relations, diplomatic engagements, and government relations for several Managing Directors of the NPA, further solidifying his reputation as an invaluable asset to the organisation.
Onyemekara has also represented the NPA at international forums, including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), where he participated in working groups such as the Editorial and Technical (E&T) Group for the IMSBC Code.
He has also attended numerous national and international capacity-building workshops sponsored by the Authority.
An avid reader and traveler, Onyemekara is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and actively participates in alumni activities for the Federal Government College Kaduna.
Prior to his current appointment, he served as Assistant General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications.& Technical Assistant Protocol to the Managing Director.