MARCON confers lifetime honours on Ibeto, Rabiu for contributions to trade, industry development

Stanley Ihedigbo

Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) has announced Chairman of Ibeto Group, Chief (Dr) Cletus Ibeto, OON, CON, and Chairman/CEO of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON, GCON, as recipients of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The honour recognises their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry and their broader impact on national economic growth and industrial development.

In a statement issued by the Conference Planning Committee, MARCON said the awards underscore the duo’s transformative roles in strengthening Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, industrial capacity, and maritime infrastructure.

Chief Ibeto is set to be recognised for his groundbreaking interventions in the maritime industry, particularly the establishment of the Ibeto Seaport and Terminal in Rivers State, which is emerging as a strategic hub for trade and logistics. 

His investments in local processing of raw materials and industrial supply chains have also significantly reduced import dependence, created jobs, and enhanced Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Similarly, Rabiu’s award is in recognition of his visionary leadership and sustained investments through BUA Group in critical sectors such as port logistics, manufacturing, cement production, and sugar refining. 

MARCON noted that his contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation and supporting the nation’s Blue Economy aspirations.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, said the selection of the awardees followed a rigorous process that considered their long-standing impact on maritime development and the broader economy.

“Chief Ibeto and Alhaji Rabiu represent the very best of indigenous enterprise. Their investments have not only transformed key sectors but have also strengthened Nigeria’s position in global trade and logistics. Their commitment to infrastructure development, job creation, and industrial growth makes them worthy recipients of this honour”, Ogbuokiri said.

Also speaking, MARCON President, Ismail Aniemu, described the awards as a recognition of excellence, resilience, and private sector leadership in driving national development.

“These honours reflect MARCON’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose contributions continue to shape the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry and economic landscape. Both awardees have demonstrated visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to national growth through strategic investments”, he said.

The awards will be formally presented at the 2026 MARCON Annual Conference and Special Economic Zones Mid-Year Conference, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.