special ceremony in Lagos, where CONMMEP celebrated his exemplary leadership, integrity and service to the maritime sector.
The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has appointed the President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, as a Patron, in recognition of his long-standing contributions to the maritime industry and distinguished record of leadership.
Ladipo was also presented with a Lifetime Excellence Award at a special ceremony in Lagos, where CONMMEP celebrated his exemplary leadership, integrity and service to the maritime sector.
The honour recognises his pioneering roles as the first President of the Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the first National President of the Association of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents in Nigeria (AMDLCA).
Presenting the certificate of appointment, CONMMEP President, Udo Onyeka, described Ladipo as a national asset whose extensive institutional experience, influence and international network could contribute significantly to the growth and repositioning of the maritime media body.
Onyeka said the recognition was not only a celebration of Ladipo’s legacy but also a call for him to continue contributing to national development.
Ladipo pledges support
Accepting the appointment, Ladipo pledged to deploy his experience, contacts and resources to support the growth and development of CONMMEP.
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 before becoming the pioneer President of ANLCA in 1986.
In 1996, he emerged as the first National President of AMDLCA.
Ladipo said the maritime industry remained the foundation of his career and provided the platform that enabled him to build the Nigeria Football Supporters Club into an internationally recognised organisation.
He promised to bring his organisational experience to bear on his new role, while leveraging his international contacts to attract support and partnerships for CONMMEP.
From maritime to global football recognition
Ladipo recounted how, through deliberate personal efforts and extensive international engagements, he transformed the Supporters Club from its humble beginnings at the National Stadium, Lagos, into a global organisation with chapters across several countries.
He noted that the organisation’s distinctive style of supporting Nigerian teams through face painting, drumming, singing and dancing eventually earned recognition from FIFA for its contribution to Nigeria’s football culture.
Despite receiving numerous honours internationally, Ladipo described his appointment as a CONMMEP Patron and the Lifetime Excellence Award as among the most cherished recognitions of his career.
He said he was deeply humbled by the decision to associate him with the organisation and pledged his commitment to supporting its growth and objectives.