The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has paid glowing tributes to one of Nigeria’s most respected maritime icons, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday in Lagos, MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, described Prince Shittu as “a colossus who bestrides the maritime industry like an octopus,” applauding his visionary leadership, integrity, and lifelong commitment to the advancement of the maritime sector.
Bivbere noted that Prince Shittu’s name has become synonymous with “integrity, courage, and innovation”—qualities that shaped his illustrious career as a customs broker, reformer, and industry leader.
As a former President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Bivbere recalled that Prince Shittu repositioned the association during his transformative eight-year tenure, restoring its unity, relevance, and voice in maritime advocacy.
“Under his leadership, ANLCA evolved from a fragmented professional body into a formidable institution championing the welfare of customs brokers while fostering collaboration with government agencies and terminal operators,” Bivbere said.
He highlighted that Prince Shittu’s tenure was marked by groundbreaking initiatives that elevated professional standards, enhanced compliance, and deepened ethical practices in freight forwarding.
Beyond ANLCA, MARAN extolled Prince Shittu’s enduring contributions to trade facilitation, policy reforms, and operational efficiency at Nigeria’s ports. Bivbere described him as a man of discipline and conviction—one who consistently spoke truth to power in defense of industry stakeholders.
MARAN also celebrated Prince Shittu’s mentorship of younger professionals, noting that many successful customs brokers and freight forwarders today attribute their growth to his guidance and encouragement.
As Chief Executive Officer of Skelas Group of Companies, Prince Shittu was also commended for his entrepreneurial drive, which has generated employment and fostered economic growth within and beyond the maritime industry.
“Prince Shittu’s journey from a young customs agent to an industry icon is a story of resilience, hard work, and the belief that integrity remains the best currency in business,” Bivbere said. “His leadership was defined by fairness, vision, and the courage to make tough decisions, while building bridges across divides to promote unity and progress.”
MARAN further expressed deep appreciation for Prince Shittu’s longstanding support for the association and the media community, describing him as a steadfast friend of the press who values truth and balanced reportage.
As he marks his 75th birthday, the association prayed for continued health, wisdom, and strength for the maritime leader, wishing him many more years of impactful service to the industry and humanity.
“Prince Olayiwola Shittu remains a beacon of excellence whose footprints will continue to inspire generations of maritime professionals,” Bivbere concluded.
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