CONMMEP INDUCTS DR. RAFIU LADIPO AS PATRON, HONOURS HIM WITH LIFETIME EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has named the President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Olalere Ladipo, as its Patron.
CONMMEP, during a special ceremony organized in Lagos, also honoured Dr. Ladipo with a Lifetime Excellence Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership, outstanding record of integrity, distinguished service and enduring contributions to the growth of the maritime sector as both the Pioneer President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA and first National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents in Nigeria, NCMDLCA.
Presenting the certificate, CONMMEP President, Udo Onyeka, described Dr. Ladipo as a national asset with vast institutional experience. He expressed confidence that his wealth of knowledge, influence and global network will add significant value to CONMMEP.
According to Onyeka, “the honour is both a celebration of legacy and a call to continued national service.”
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Ladipo pledged to deploy his experience, contacts and resources to advance the cause of CONMMEP.
Tracing his maritime journey to 1967 when he began his career with Transcom in the clearing section of CFAO, Dr. Ladipo noted that he established his own company in 1976, became the Pioneer President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents in 1986, and emerged as the first National President of the Association of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) in 1996.
He stated that the maritime industry was the foundation of his career and provided the platform that enabled him to build the Nigeria Football Supporters Club into a global brand.
Dr. Ladipo promised to bring his organizational expertise to bear on his new role, assuring CONMMEP of his commitment to leverage his international network to attract support and partnerships for the Association.
He recounted how through deliberate personal efforts and visits to several countries, he grew the Supporters Club from its humble beginnings at the National Stadium, Lagos, into an internationally recognized organization with chapters across the world – an achievement that earned FIFA recognition for its unique contribution to Nigeria’s football culture through face painting, drumming, singing and dancing.
Describing the appointment as one of the most cherished honours of his career despite his numerous global awards, Dr. Ladipo said he was deeply humbled to be identified with CONMMEP.
