The leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the August 8, 2026, off-cycle election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, as a leader with the competence, experience and vision to reposition Osun State for sustainable growth and development.
Oyetola made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during an award ceremony organised by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (COMJON), where Oyebamiji was honoured as the Most Media-Friendly Chief Executive Officer in the maritime sector.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the minister described Oyebamiji as a dependable partner and strategic thinker whose public service record reflects prudence, reform-driven leadership and measurable impact.
“Asiwaju Oyebamiji possesses the competence, experience and vision required to reposition Osun State on the path of sustainable growth, infrastructural development, economic revitalisation and social advancement,” Oyetola said.
“His reputation as a prudent manager of resources, a consensus builder and a development-oriented leader offers considerable assurance that he will bring renewed hope and effective governance to the state. Leadership is measured not by rhetoric but by tangible impact, and he has consistently translated vision into action.”
The minister noted that Oyebamiji’s tenure as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) was marked by institutional reforms, revenue growth and enhanced regulatory oversight.
According to him, NIWA witnessed significant improvements in internally generated revenue through strategic reforms, improved operational efficiency and stronger stakeholder collaboration, boosting the Authority’s financial sustainability and operational reach.
Oyetola highlighted the development and implementation of the first Inland Waterways Safety Code in 35 years as one of Oyebamiji’s most enduring achievements.
He said the code introduced clear operational standards and compliance mechanisms that improved navigation safety and reduced operational risks across Nigeria’s waterways.
He also commended Oyebamiji’s role as Chairman of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, noting that the committee’s evidence-based recommendations and enforcement strategies contributed significantly to reducing boat accidents and strengthening safety awareness.
“His leadership aligned NIWA’s operations with the broader national agenda to unlock the marine and blue economy. His collaborative disposition and results-driven approach advanced water transportation, maritime safety and economic utilisation of inland waterways,” Oyetola added.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji dedicated the award to Oyetola, describing him as a mentor whose guidance shaped his career trajectory.
“I am eternally grateful for the wisdom you have imparted to me from the beginning.
Your support has been the biggest pillar behind my journey from Osun State Investment Company to Commissioner for Finance, to serving at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and eventually as Managing Director of NIWA,” he said.
He recalled Oyetola’s active involvement in NIWA’s activities, including the commissioning of operational assets in Lokoja and participation in nationwide safety campaigns.
“These deliberate actions positioned NIWA as a performing agency and contributed to this recognition. Sir, I dedicate this award to you,” Oyebamiji stated.
Earlier, Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, praised Oyebamiji for transforming the Authority’s work culture and aligning its programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Girei disclosed that NIWA would also receive the New Telegraph Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 Award, describing it as further testament to the strides recorded during Oyebamiji’s tenure.
“Beyond policies and infrastructure, the human lives rescued, businesses stabilised and families positively impacted are legacies we are proud to uphold,” he said.
Chairman of COMJON, Mr Frank Meke, explained that the award recognises maritime leaders who promote transparency, media partnership and institutional accountability.
He said Oyebamiji’s accessibility, responsiveness and encouragement of field reporting distinguished him as a deserving recipient.
“Leaders like Asiwaju Oyebamiji see the media not as adversaries but as partners in development,” Meke noted.
The ceremony attracted top government officials and maritime stakeholders, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Hon. Oluwole Oke (Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency), former lawmaker Hon. Taiwo Oluga, Director-General of NIMASA Dr Dayo Mobereola, Executive Director, Marine and Operations at NPA, Olalekan Badmus, and Chairman of NIWA Board, Barr. Muktar Shagari, among others.
The event celebrated Oyebamiji’s leadership legacy at NIWA and his collaborative engagement with the media in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda, even as political momentum builds ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.