The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recently announced the appointment of Mr. Ikechukwu Chika Onyemekara as its new spokesperson. In a statement, the NPA emphasized Onyemekara’s impressive background in marketing and public relations, highlighting his qualifications which include both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in marketing.
Onyemekara’s journey with the NPA began in 1992 when he joined as a marketing officer. It didn’t take long for him to establish himself in the maritime sector, leveraging his strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with key stakeholders. This ability facilitated his progression into various strategic roles within the commercial department.
Recognizing his exceptional people management skills, NPA leadership later transitioned Onyemekara to the Public Affairs Division. His remarkable performance and results-driven mindset eventually led him to the position of Technical Assistant Protocol. In this capacity, he oversaw media relations, diplomatic outreach, and government interactions for multiple Managing Directors of the NPA, reinforcing his reputation as a vital asset to the organization.
Beyond his domestic responsibilities, Onyemekara has represented the NPA at significant international events, including those hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). There, he contributed to critical working groups such as the Editorial and Technical (E&T) Group for the IMSBC Code. His involvement extends to numerous national and international capacity-building workshops sponsored by the NPA.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Onyemekara is passionate about reading and traveling. He is an active member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and participates regularly in alumni events for the Federal Government College Kaduna. Prior to his current role, he served as the Assistant General Manager for Corporate & Strategic Communications and also held the position of Technical Assistant Protocol to the Managing Director.