Chief (Dr.) Ganiu Shekoni-Balogun, popularly known as Tarzan, a leading tourism practitioner and Executive Chairman of Gani-Tarzan Marine Enterprises Limited, Lekki, Lagos, has been re-elected unopposed as the National President of the Association of Tourists Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON).
Tarzan’s re-election was ratified during the association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Kapital Klub and Apartment, Asokoro, Abuja.
Also elected into the new National Executive Committee was Alhaji Kola Adesiyan, the association’s former General Secretary, who emerged as Deputy National President.
Abdurahman Hassan and Obajimi Manuwa Isogun were elected Vice Presidents for the North and West respectively, while Stephen Ogun was elected Vice President for the East and South.
Kazeem Arogundade emerged as the National General Secretary, with Musa Anaruwa elected Assistant National General Secretary. Samuel D. FORWAR was elected National Public Relations Officer (PRO), while Pami Roland became Assistant National Public Relations Officer. Ayomikun Aworetan was elected National Treasurer, and Abubakar Aliyu emerged as National Financial Secretary.
Other officers elected include Nwachukwu Osita Stephen as National Provost Marshal and Foluso Adelaja as Ex-Officio.
The AGM also approved the appointment of two longstanding members of the association, Dr. Kolawole Meshileya and Alhaji Sulaiman Adeshina Khalil-Raji, to the Board of Trustees, replacing two retired trustees.
Delegates from 11 states attended the meeting, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, Anambra, Bayelsa, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kogi States. Benue, Cross River and Delta States sent apologies for their inability to attend.
Speaking after his re-election, Tarzan expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in his leadership and pledged to continue working towards strengthening the association, promoting water transportation and tourism, and advancing the welfare of members across the country.
He made a passionate plea for unity within the association, noting that it was the only way the ATBOWATON could confront myriads of challenges facing it.
