APAPA, LAGOS — SEPT 24, 2026 — It was a day of profound joy and deep gratitude.
Welcoming guests to the 5th edition of The New Experience Newspaper Annual Lecture and Awards, Publisher and CEO, Prince Benson Davies, said September 24, 2026, is not just another event, but history.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of The New Experience Newspaper, Davies thanked God Almighty and every stakeholder who kept the faith since the newspaper’s maiden voyage on May 17, 2017.
“Today is not just another event on our calendar. Today is history. It marks exactly nine years since we embarked on this courageous voyage. Nine years of resilience, of truth-telling, of consistency, and of service to the maritime industry and to Nigeria,” he said.
Davies said for almost a decade, the paper has kept faith with its founding promise — to report truth without fear or favour, amplify industry voices, and practice credible, development-focused journalism.
From Presken Hotel to Rockview — A Humble Starr
He recalled with nostalgia how the first three lectures were held at the modest Multi-Purpose Hall of Presken Hotels, Allen Avenue Roundabout, Ikeja.
“When we started, we had little, but we had a big vision. We had limited resources, but limitless passion. Those humble beginnings laid the solid foundation for the grandeur we are witnessing today,” Davies stated.
He also recalled the landmark 2020 edition held at the height of COVID-19.
“At a time the world was locked down and many organisations were scaling down, we stepped up. We hosted over 800 distinguished guests.
The theme, _‘Coronavirus in Nigeria and the Conspiracy Theory: The Public Understanding,’_ sparked national debate far beyond maritime.
Till today people ask me, how did you do it during COVID? My answer is simple: It was trust. It was credibility. It was grace of God and the love you have shown us.”
Why Blue Economy
Davies said if past editions were remarkable, this 5th edition is special. The theme, *“Blue Economy in Action: Financing, Innovation and Policy for Nigeria’s Maritime Future,”* was deliberately chosen.
“This theme is not accidental. Nigeria is blessed. The time has come to move beyond talking about potential. The time has come to unlock, to finance, to innovate, and to create policies that will make the Blue Economy the new oil of Nigeria,” he said.
A Long Roll Call of Gratitude
The Publisher said no nine-year journey is made alone, thanking lead partners who have stood through thick and thin: Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; SIFAX Group; and Widescope International Logistics Limited.
He specially appreciated their image-makers: Mr. I.K. Oyemakara of NPA, Mr. Edward Osagie of NIMASA, and Mr. Muywa Akande of SIFAX Group.
“Thank you for believing in our mission.”
He thanked the Chairman of the Day, Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, for his fatherly presence, and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Dorcas Daniel Bature, and all panelists.
He specially appreciated SAHCO PLC and its Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, and General Manager, Corporate Communications & Strategy, Mrs. Vanessa Uansohia, for tremendous support.
He also thanked Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, and its Head of Public Relations, Madam Rebecca Adamu; Divisional Police Officer, Apapa Division, CSP Kamal Momoh, a.k.a Jagungakun, for securing the environment; and AIG Okunade Funmilayo, his alma mater, University of Ibadan, senior.
Davies acknowledged Imam Alhaji Nurudeen for continuous prayers and fatherly guidance, Mr. S.O. Akindubi, CEO of CASAMOL Commercial Services, for being a pillar; Dr. Dorcas Bature, whom he described as his twin sister and backbone of all New Experience events, and her husband, Dr. Jonathan Bature; and Mr. Roberts Ayibo of NIMASA.
In an emotional tribute, he said: “To Chief I.B. Seldon, my brother, without whom there would be no The New Experience Newspaper, you will live long on planet earth.”
He thanked Princess Adenike Adegoke, Director, Lagos Operations, FRCN, and Mr. Abiola Peters, GM Radio 103.5FM, for live coverage support since inception, as well as Mrs. Maria Ihuoma, GM Metro 97.7FM; Mr. Abdulwahab Akoshile, GM Bond 92.9FM; Mr. Inuwa Ben Karahson of NIMASA; ACP Lion; Dr. Oyin Frances Adegbite; Pastor Bulky Bright; Madam Obimma Obianuju, CEO Supreme Master Limited; and Mr. Okaka Ferdinand.
“To many others who prefer to support quietly behind the scenes, who call, who pray, who advertise with us, God sees you and we appreciate you immensely.”
He closed with appreciation to media colleagues: “Journalism is truly about partnership. Thank you for your advice, for your publications and for always answering my calls.”
Urging guests to relax, network, learn and enjoy the feast, Davies prayed: “God bless The New Experience Newspaper! God bless the maritime industry! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”
