Institute Hails Ogbeifun’s Appointment

The Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development (ILAD) has congratulated Mrs Iroghama Ogbeifun on what it described as a well-deserved national honour.

A statement issued by the Director General ILAD, Dr Baba R Adamu, said Ogbeifun’s appointment is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the maritime industry and all advocates of transformational leadership in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Governing Board for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), effective June 24, 2025. This decision, in accordance with Section 5 of the NIMASA Act, reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to institutional excellence and strategic leadership in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The Act mandates the Board to determine the general policy direction of the Agency in all financial, commercial, and operational matters — making the quality of its leadership crucial to the future of Nigeria’s maritime economy.

Among the notable appointees is Mrs. Iroghama Ogbeifun, Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Investments Company Limited and Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN).

Her appointment has drawn widespread praise across the maritime and leadership communities, recognising her as a woman of integrity, foresight, and exceptional impact.

Mrs. Ogbeifun’s journey has been defined by resilience, innovation, and visionary leadership. Under her guidance, Starzs Investments expanded its fleet from 3 ships in 2014 to 11 ships by 2021, and secured $15 million in Mezzanine Debt to scale operations — positioning the company as a key player in Nigeria’s marine logistics sector.

Her academic and professional accomplishments are equally distinguished. She holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and Brunel University, London, alongside advanced executive training from the prestigious Harvard Business School. With certifications from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy and the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Mrs. Ogbeifun brings unmatched competence to national service.

With more than a decade of leadership in maritime operations, strategy, and business development, she represents a new generation of Nigerian leaders who blend professional excellence with a deep commitment to national growth.

Her appointment, alongside other esteemed members representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Nigerian Navy, and NIMASA, marks a bold step toward repositioning the sector for global competitiveness.