Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has joined industry stakeholders in celebrating one of Nigeria’s most respected maritime icons, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, as he marks his 75th birthday, describing him as a pillar of integrity, leadership, and innovation in the nation’s maritime sector.
In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday in Lagos, MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, hailed Prince Shittu as “a colossus who bestrides the maritime industry like an octopus,” noting that his visionary leadership and selfless service have left an indelible mark on the industry.
“Prince Shittu’s name has become synonymous with integrity, courage, and innovation,” Bivbere stated. “As former President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), he repositioned the association, restored its dignity, and built it into a formidable voice for maritime advocacy.”
During his transformative eight-year tenure as ANLCA President, Prince Shittu was credited with uniting a once-divided body and introducing reforms that elevated professional standards and compliance within the freight forwarding sector. His emphasis on ethics and transparency, MARAN noted, continues to guide many practitioners today.
Beyond ANLCA, Shittu has been an unwavering advocate for trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and port reform. Bivbere described him as “a man of discipline and conviction” who never hesitated to “speak truth to power” in defence of maritime stakeholders’ interests.
The association further praised his mentorship of younger professionals, emphasizing that many successful customs brokers and freight forwarders today owe their growth to his guidance and encouragement.
Bivbere also lauded Shittu’s entrepreneurial drive as Chief Executive Officer of Skelas Group of Companies, a conglomerate that has contributed immensely to job creation and economic development within and beyond the maritime space.
“Prince Shittu’s journey from a young customs agent to an industry icon embodies resilience, hard work, and the belief that integrity remains the best currency in business,” Bivbere said. “His leadership was rooted in fairness and vision, building bridges across divides and promoting unity within the profession.”
As he clocks 75, MARAN expressed deep appreciation for Prince Shittu’s unwavering support to the association and the media, describing him as a true friend of the press who values honest and balanced journalism.
The association prayed for his continued health, wisdom, and strength, adding that “Prince Olayiwola Shittu remains a beacon of excellence whose footprints will continue to inspire generations of maritime professionals.”
