NPA’s strategic comms boss  Onyemekara bags top maritime award

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Ikechukwu Onyemekara, NPA’s General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications, wins Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria’s (MARCON) Maritime Public Relations Professional of the Year 2025 for outstanding contributions to maritime communication.

MARCON cited Onyemekara’s key role in strengthening media relations, promoting transparency, and projecting Nigeria’s maritime interests globally, including at the IMO.

The award was presented by MARCON Vice President Paul Ogbuokiri, who praised Onyemekara’s professionalism and strategic insight.

MARCON noted Onyemekara’s decades of professional service, strategic insight, and commitment to boosting NPA’s communications and stakeholder relations.

Ogbuokiri while presenting the award said Onyemekara’s record sets the bar for PR in the maritime sector, showcasing top-notch standards.

“Mr. Onyemekara has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of expertise, depth and responsiveness in his communication approach. His contributions have continued to enhance the visibility and credibility of the Nigerian Ports Authority and, by extension, the entire maritime sector,” he said.

Onyemekara thanked MARCON, crediting NPA’s growth in trade and revenue to its media partnership.

He urged media practitioners to continue supporting the NPA and the initiatives of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stressing that their collective efforts are essential for the maritime industry to fully contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets the transformation of Nigeria into a 1$ trillion economy.