By Deborah James
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has described the new book “Nigeria and Global Maritime Industry,” published by the National Coordinator of Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), Mr. Moses Fadipe, as a maritime document to guide posterity.
Oyetola, who was speaking at the book launch last week, opined that the issues addressed in the book will help guide the nation’s port users and regulators in the near and distant future as the country seeks to optimize the maritime sector.
The Minister, represented by Mr Olayinka Olusanya, stressed that the book serves as both a compass and a map guiding industry stakeholders through the indicated dynamics and navigating economic growth to the maritime industry.
His words: “Fadipe book provides a platform by ensuring that the book, Nigeria and Global Maritime Industry, is not a comment but a posterity document. This book is not a book that is not done for comment’s sake but a posterity document which can be researched, referenced and comfortably consulted.”
Speaking further, he urged that the maritime industry should brace up to be the nation’s number one sector instead of petroleum, opining that with adequate value addition to fisheries, tourism, offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, sea-based external activities, among others; marine could sustain the nation’s economy.
On his part, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shipper’s Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah, commended the commitment of the author to the marine and blue economy which has been demonstrated with the published book.
Akutah expressed delight that Fadipe’s vast personal and practical experiences have been put together to form good resources via the book for the sector to benefit for years to come, adding that the book will be a guiding light for developing the blue economy.
However, Akutah, called on every retired stakeholder to put all hands on deck in a bid to salvage the nation’s bleeding economy. “There’s a need to be proactive, in terms of working to move this economy forward and this can be achieved through their past experiences,” the NSC boss said.
During the book review, Mr Olusoji Apampa, observed that the roles of stakeholders in the development of the marine sector were explored as well as Fadipe’s personal experiences and problems as PSTT Coordinator that should be tackled.
Also speaking, a former President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, as Father-of-the-Day, recalled the inaugural activities and baby steps of PSTT since its formation under the Hassan Bello-leadership era at the NSC.
While commending the author, a former Acting Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Mother-of-the-Day, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, hinted that industry stakeholders are filled with nostalgia as Fadipe nears retirement.
“The questions on people’s mind is who is going to take over from Fadipe, who will be the next Fadipe of Nigerian Shipper’s Council. Fadipe displays exceptional skills in his works in the complaints unit of NSC,” Ezenwa said.
In his speech, Fadipe, who is also the Director, South West Zone at NSC, revealed that the journey of the book began when he started going through some travails in the industry amid a period Shipper’s Council was labeled a bull dog that has teeth but couldn’t bite.
While thanking the wide array of industry stakeholders who graced the occasion, Fadipe said; “I hope this book we just launched will inspire and empower others to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication.”
