Maritime industry stakeholders led by the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES) on Tuesday payed glowing tributes to late marine engineer Olu Akinsoji, who passed away on 16 January, 2024, aged 79 years.
The summation of the tributes pointed to the fact that the late Akinsoji was rcognised for his high professionalism and that he was a patriotic Nigerian who committed his time and knowledge to developing the maritime industry.
Speaking at the event, President of the Association of Marine Engineers (AMES), Engr. Israel Obadan, described Late Akinsoji as an urbane city man, with a cosmopolitan comportment but devoid of its glamour, a man infused with wide international attitude, full of zest and candour.
According to him, “Engr.Olu Akinsoji was employed as an Engineer cadet by the now defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line, under that beautifully designed and visionary federal government sponsorship program, that produced excellent maritime professionals, great mariners like Engineer Olu Akinsoji and many of his generations and younger ones who are today in commanding positions in the industry.
“The products of that maritime human resources development program are now gradually retreating. Engr.Olu Akinsoji fought a good fight for the industry. We salute his tenacity, despite the humiliations sometimes encountered.”
Earlier in a written tribute, former president of AMES, Engr. Charles Uwadia, shared fond memories of times they spent together and how much in high esteem he holds Olu Akinsoji.
His words: “We were together briefly on the vessel River Gongola. He was the 2nd Engineer at that time while I was the 1st Engineer. I still remember his professionalism professional. He listened to everyone who approached him with any problem at all. He was a wonderful person in the maritime industry. I remember when I was the president of AMES, he always gave me useful advice. Olu was committed to the good of Nigeria through his work s a marine engineer.”
For Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, the chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas Company, it was a time of reflecting on the selflessness nature of the departed, his professionalism to work and his love for great knowledge and the spirit of mentoring.
In his words: “Olu was a very good engineer. Olu was a good man as a man, but as an engineer, he was mean,” Capt. Ihenacho said.
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.
In his tribute, 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.
Also, Engr. Yinka Okunade, a former president of AMES, extolled the late Akinsoji for his wealth of knowledge, expertise and above all, his love for humanity. He said: “Right from the time I came across him, he was a boss and a brother. He was a man of knowledge and experience. He knew the maritime industry so well. He was a contended person. He was my mentor, he was confident about every work he did. I pray that his soul rests in peace.
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 members of AMES; Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas Company, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; BOT Chairman of NISA, Chief Isaac Jolapamo; Chidi Illogu, SAN; Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN; President of Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain Tajudeen Alao; former President of NAGAFF , Dr. Eugene Nweke; Captain Adewale Ishola, and Captain Ade Olopoenia.
Also present were the former Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Ify Akerele; Maritime Lawyer, Bar r. Osuala Nwagbara; 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; 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
