Maritime industry stakeholders pay tribute to late Engr Olu Akinsojii

Stakeholders in the nation’s maritime industry have described Late Engr. Olu Akinsoji, a former Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) as a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his lifetime to the growth of the nations maritime industry.

Recall that Engr. Olu Akinsoji died on the 16th of January 2024 at the age of 79.

Paying tributes to late Akinsoji at a Industry day of tributes held on Tuesday at the Mission To Seafarers Secretariat in Lagos, the Maritime industry stakeholders shared fond memories and time that they shared with the astute Maritime engineer

Speaking at the day of tribute, Former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho recounted Engr. Akinsoji’s prowess, stating, “Olu was a very good engineer. Olu was a good man as a man, but as an engineer, he was mean.” Capt. Ihenacho highlighted.

Iheanacho emphasized Engr. Akinsoji’s remarkable journey, from serving as a ship service to reaching the pinnacle of the government sector of shipping, regulating technical standards on ships.

The captain emphasized Engr. Akinsoji’s unwavering commitment and social prowess, describing him as a “faithful ally” who effortlessly made friends and addressed social challenges.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr Bashir Jamoh described Akinsojii as a patriotic Nigerian, consummate professional and a maritime expert who was committed to the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

Dr. Jamoh who was represented by the Assistant Director Public Relations of NIMASA Osagie Edward emphasized Akinsoji’s role as a former Alternate Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation (APR-IMO) and his significant contributions as the former Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron.

“He dedicated almost his entire life to making his contributions towards a virile maritime industry for Nigeria.

“As a former Alternate Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation (APR-IMO), former Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron and a distinguished member of the Association of Master Mariners, Engr Akinsoji’s contributions to the industry will always stand the test of time.

“His passage is therefore not only a major loss to his family, but to Nigeria as a whole and the maritime industry in particular” the NIMASA DG said.

On her part Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, Managing Director of LeLook, shared a personal connection, describing Engr. Olu as a mentor who played a pivotal role in her career.

She highlighted his support in setting up a maritime consulting firm and expressed concern about the diminishing art of mentoring in the industry.

Ezenwa underscored the irreplaceable nature of human thought in mentorship and celebrated Akinsoji’s simplicity, knowledge, and humility.

In attendance at the Day of Tribute were Former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; BOT Chairman of NISA, Chief Isaac Jolapamo; Chidi Illogu, SAN; Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN; and former President of NAGAFF , Dr. Eugene Nweke.

Also, representatives of the Association of Marine Engineers (AMES), led by its President Engr. Israel Obadan; former Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Ify Akerele; Maritime Lawyer, Barr. Osuala Nwagbara; President of Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain Tajudeen Alao; former Spokesman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Captain Ihenacho Ebubeogu; Secretary General of Abuja MoU, Sunday Umoren; Chairman, Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Bolaji Sunmola; representative of SIFAX Group led by Captain Ibrahim Olugbade and Rear Admiral Goodswill Ombu (Rtd).

Others are: Ms. Funmi Folorunsho; Adegboyega Olopoenia CEO Massc Global Marine Limited; Engr. Michael Sese Atina, Chaplain Mission to Seafarers; Cannon Bimbo Aduroja, Asst Chaplain, Mission to Seafarers; Rev. Emmanuel Ilori; Captain Adewale Ishola; and members of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association NMNOWTSSA led by the Vice National President (Shipping), Engr. Wale George amongst others