Shipping Policy Oracle, Excellent Marine Engineer, Business Partner, Mentor
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ – Martin Luther King, Jnr.
Following the demise of a former Nigerian Alternate Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and former Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Engr. Olu Akinsoji; the maritime industry organized a tribute where stakeholders recalled his service to the nation and more significantly – the many things he did for others.
At the tribute organized by the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Akinsoji was given the toga of a shipping policy oracle, a distinguished marine engineer, a mentor, a trustworthy business partner, a journalist’s delight, an accessible resource personality, among others.
Engr. Akinsoji, who died on the 16th of January 2024 aged 79, was a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his lifetime to the growth of the maritime industry, but he also specifically touched lives, businesses and careers with his wealth of shipping experience, influential network and impeccable humility.
Maritime administrators, lawyers, journalists, marine engineers, ship owners, freight forwarders, seafarers, master mariners, academics, among others were represented at the event as they shared varying accounts of the man – Olu Akinsoji.
A former Minister of Interior and Chairman, Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, explained that although Akinsoji was a senior officer at a time when the norm was to hoard knowledge, late Akinsoji was different, “he drew us (the younger colleagues) closer to learn from him.”
“He was a good engineer and a good man as a whole. Being the type of person he was, he went further to attain other academic exploits.”
Iheanacho also recalled that at several instances when the nation had policy issues relating to shipping, Akinsoji was the solution provider, extolling Akinsoji’s remarkable journey, from an officer on a ship to reaching the pinnacle of the Government Inspector of Shipping; regulating technical standards of ships.
“Everytime we had shipping policy issues in the country, we turned to him as an oracle to provide the solutions. He was always willing to share ideas. There is this great sadness amongst us because he was someone we loved so much,” the former Minister said.
In his sermon, the Chaplain, Mission to Seafarers (MTS) Lagos, Cannon Bimbo Aduroja, emphasized the importance of living a life of impact and prioritizing human relations, well-being of friends and colleagues ahead of material things.
Aduroja observed that the death of Engr. Akinsoji should be another opportunity to reflect on one’s impact in life in a bid to live well and to leave good legacies behind after death.
On his part, the President of AMES, Engr. Israel Obadan asserted that with the loss of Akinsoji, veteran maritime human resource has further depleted, stressing the need for the nation to plan the development of the next generation of marine professionals.
“Akinsoji fought a good fight for the industry. We salute his tenacity, despite the humiliations he sometimes encountered. We hail you sir, a trailblazer, a mentor, a teacher to so many, in and out of the industry. As you embark on your eternal journey of no return, on behalf of the AMES to which you gave so much intellectual contributions, we send you forth, by wishing you our final eternal Bon Voyage!”
While he recalled his personal lessons from Akinsoji on how to produce quality survey reports using the required technical language, the AMES President noted that Engr. Akinsoji was ever ready to teach and transfer his knowledge to others.
Obadan chronicled Akinsoji’s career journey, “After his cadetship program, he was promoted a Junior Marine Engineer rising to the position of Chief Marine Engineer. Thereafter, he was made the shipping company’s Fleet Engineer Superintendent. He was appointed Shipyard Superintendent in Hamburg Germany, to supervise the building of 19 brand new ships for the Nigerian National Shipping Line. Again after completion and delivery of those vessels, his service was transferred to then Federal Ministry of Transportation where he later became a Director.”
“He was appointed Government Inspector of Shipping(GIS) under the same ministry a position he came to glorify. He was appointed as Nigeria’s Alternate Representative to the IMO of the United Nations, under whose tenure Nigeria was admitted into the IMO White List for the first time. He rose like a colossus in the maritime world. He would be seconded as the Sole Administrator to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron by the Transportation ministry.”
“After retirement, the then Federal Ministry of Transportation drafted him again as a member of an Interim Management Committee with some very notable maritime professionals with a mandate reposition the Academy to international standard. The wonderful transformation of this Mission to Seafarers (MTS) center Lagos, was made possible by him. The outcome of that committee in which Engr Akinsoji was a member produced the present Rector and management that has turned around the status of the Academy to international standard.”
Also speaking, a former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Managing Director of Lelook Bags, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, revealed that Akinsoji was her mentor and an amazing business partner for Ocean Serve.
Her words: “When I retired from the Ministry, Akinsoji was the one I called to guide me. He told me that I had gathered a lot in the industry and should not just walk away. I said I couldn’t do contracts, but I could function as a consultant. But, he took me by the hand and we started Ocean Serve together. People saw Ocean Serve doing exploits at the time but didn’t know we had someone like Akinsoji making things happen. He helped us get one of our early major contracts with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safely Agency (NIMASA)”
Ezenwa stressed that there is a lot for young people to learn about the role of mentors which can’t be replaced by google or youtube, lamenting that there is a diminishing art of mentoring in the maritime industry.
Noting that Akinsoji was so intellectually sound, yet restless, she wondered if he is onboard any vessel at the moment.
“Akinsoji’s death really broke my heart. I wish the family well and I take solace in the fact that nothing lasts forever,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, the Director General, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh OFR, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Public Relations of NIMASA, Mr. Osagie Edward expressed deep sense of sadness on the death of Engr. Akinsoji.
The NIMASA boss described the deceased as a patriotic Nigerian, consummate professional and a maritime expert who was committed to the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
He emphasized Akinsoji’s role as a former Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, his significant contributions as the former Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron and also as a member of the Association of Master Mariners, opining that Engr Akinsoji’s contributions to the industry will always stand the test of time.
At the event, a recent interview Akinsoji granted to a journalist, Dr. Hope Orivri, was played as participants listened to Akinsoji’s account of his life at sea and the period after sea. The earlier speakers didn’t fail to aptly explain Akinsoji’s depth of wisdom, strength of character, integrity and professionalism; but the interview unveiled the joviality and contentment of a man with huge personal achievements – yet so humble and willing to freely share his knowledge.
In attendance were former presidents of AMES including; Engr. Yinka Okunade and Charles Uwadia who also eulogised the late Akinsoji and described him as a true professional marine engineer.
Other maritime bigwigs at the tributes were; the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA), Chief Isaac Jolapomo; Senior Partner, Foundation Chambers, Mr. Chidi Illogu, SAN; Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners, Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN; Vice President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Ify Akerele; Managing Director, SIFAX Group, Capt. Ibrahim Olugbade; Rear Admiral Goodswill Ombo (Rtd).
Former President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; Chairman, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola; Secretary-General, Abuja MoU, Capt. Sunday Umoren; President, National Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Capt. Tadjudeen Alao; Assistant Chaplain, Mission to Seafarers (MTS) Lagos, Rev. Emmanuel Ilori; Managing Partner, Maritime and Commercial Law Partners, Barr. Osuala Emmanuel Nwagbara; President, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Hon. Olaitan Willlams; Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; Captain Adewale Ishola; among others.
