NPA Spokesman Ikechukwu Onyemekara Wins MARCON Maritime PR Personality of the Year
By Maureen Aguta
The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ikechukwu Onyemekara, has been named the Maritime Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON).
MARCON said the honour followed a thorough evaluation of Onyemekara’s contributions to maritime communication, transparency advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, particularly his role in shaping public discourse around Nigeria’s port reforms and international maritime cooperation.
The Vice President of MARCON, Paul Ogbuokiri, presented the award to Onyemekara at the NPA headquarters on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He described the NPA spokesman as a consummate public relations professional whose work continues to raise industry standards.
“Mr. Onyemekara has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of expertise, depth and responsiveness in his communication approach. His efforts have strengthened the visibility and credibility of the NPA and, by extension, the maritime sector,” Ogbuokiri said.
MARCON noted that Onyemekara’s strategic leadership has been instrumental in enhancing media relations and promoting Nigeria’s maritime interests on regional and global platforms, including engagements at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). His decades-long career, the association added, reflects professionalism, strategic clarity and unwavering commitment to institutional growth.
Responding to the recognition, Onyemekara expressed gratitude to MARCON, attributing the NPA’s rising profile and improved operational outcomes to its strong collaboration with the media. He urged journalists to continue supporting the Authority and the ongoing reforms of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He further stressed that effective communication remains central to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which positions the maritime sector as a critical driver in Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy.