The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP has appointed the President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Olalere Ladipo, as a Patron, recognising his decades of contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Ladipo was also presented with a Lifetime Excellence Award at a special ceremony in Lagos for his leadership, service and contributions to the maritime sector, particularly his roles in the Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the Association of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents in Nigeria (AMDLCA).
Presenting the certificate, CONMMEP President, Udo Onyeka, described Ladipo as a national asset with extensive institutional experience, saying his knowledge, influence and international network could contribute to the growth and repositioning of the maritime media body.
Onyeka said the recognition was both a celebration of Ladipo’s legacy and a call for continued service to the country.
In his acceptance remarks, Ladipo pledged to deploy his experience, contacts and resources to support CONMMEP’s activities and attract partnerships to the organisation.
He traced his maritime career to 1967 when he began working with Transcom in the clearing section of CFAO. He later established his own company in 1976 and became the Pioneer President of ANLCA in 1986.
In 1996, he emerged as the first National President of AMDLCA.
Ladipo said the maritime industry provided the foundation for his career and created the platform that enabled him to develop the Nigeria Football Supporters Club into an organisation with an international presence.
He recounted how he grew the supporters club from its early activities at the National Stadium in Lagos through personal efforts and international engagements, eventually establishing chapters in several countries.
He said the organisation’s activities, including face painting, drumming, singing and dancing, contributed to Nigeria’s football culture and earned recognition from FIFA.
Ladipo described his appointment as one of the most cherished honours of his career despite receiving several awards internationally.
He said he was humbled by the recognition and pledged to bring his organisational experience and international network to bear on his new role as CONMMEP Patron.