By Uzor Odigbo
Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA) Abubakar Dantsoho has appointed Mr Ikechukwu Chika Onyemekara as the General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communications following recent redeployments to reposition the organisation for efficiency.
The new NPA spokesperson brings a wealth of experience in marketing and public relations to his new assignment with experience spanning over two decades.
Onyemekara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the same field.
His career with the NPA began in 1992 as a marketing officer, where he gained significant expertise in the maritime industry. His interpersonal skills and ability to interact with key stakeholders soon saw him transiting into strategic roles within the commercial department.
Recognizing his people management abilities, NPA management redeployed Onyemekara to the Public Affairs Division, where his strong performance and results-driven approach led to his appointment as Technical Assistant Protocol.
In this role, he coordinated media relations, diplomatic engagements, and government relations for several Managing Directors of the NPA, further solidifying his reputation as an invaluable asset to the organization.
Onyemekara has also represented the NPA at international fora , including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), where he participated in working groups such as the Editorial and Technical (E&T) Group for the IMSBC Code. He has also attended numerous national and international capacity-building workshops sponsored by the Authority.
An avid reader and traveler, Onyemekara is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and actively participates in alumni activities for the Federal Government College Kaduna.
Prior to his current appointment, he served as Assistant General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications.& Technical Assistant Protocol to the Managing Director