- Mobereola, Bello, Adeyanju Mourn Late Ferdinand Agu
As the maritime industry comes to terms with the reality of the demise of a former Director General of the defunct National Maritime Authority (NMA), Architect Ferdinard Agu, attributes and condolences have been in lavish supply; but Agu’s demise is another apt reminder about the transience of life.
‘Transience’ was one of the words that featured prominently in an inspiring speech by the Late Ferdinard Agu at the maiden Maritime Stakeholders meeting with the new Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola.
“As a Director General of NIMASA, one needs to have a transient sense of permanence and a permanent sense of transience.” – Agu advised the new NIMASA boss at the meeting.
Ferdinand Agu’s witty saying was emphasising the need for public servants, especially heads of agencies, to understand that their accomplishments have to be in short time; yet they must strike a balance between wanting to achieve a lot in short time with the high possibility of failures, and making quality contributions through well-thought-out policies and actions that require some degree of patience.
As Agu’s death reemphasizes the transient nature of life; the need to live a life of impact should dawn on us. A life where we create no room for pettiness in holding a grudge or where we decide to procrastinate to tomorrow an action, goal or dream that we can commence today. Indeed, life is too short to be lived with regrets.
Meanwhile, the recipient of Agu’s beautiful advice, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has described the death of Architect Ferdinand, as a rude shock and a significant loss to Nigeria, the maritime community, and NIMASA in particular.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Arc. Ferdinand Agu, a former Director General of NMA. He left an indelible impression on me within the short time we shared during my first stakeholder engagement just last month. I had hoped to engage him more often, to tap into his wealth of experience for the collective interest of every Nigerian.
“Alas, death has denied us this privilege. Agu’s legacy of dedication and excellence will continue to inspire us all. We will miss his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to improving our maritime industry. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” Mobereola stated.
On his part, a former Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Hassan Bello, recalls that Agu took special interest on Shippers Council’s issues, especially the push to replace container deposit with an insurance cover to curb the colossal losses by importets and their freight agents.
“The passing of Architect Ferdinand Agu is a great loss to the nation. He was a steadfast, deeply analytical and incisive professional. During my time at Nigerian Shippers Council, he offered counsel which I cherished. He was never away from the industry even when he finished his duty at NIMASA where he introduced a lot of reforms.”
“I recall a strategy meeting in his house in Abuja where we both discussed among other things the provocative issue of surcharges levied on Nigerian bound cargo without notice or knowledge of Nigerian shippers and his suggestion and piece of advice were very inspirational. He took special interest on NSC issues especially our push to replace container deposit with an insurance cover as these were infringements on our maritime domain.”
“Agu was exceptional, thoughtful, wonderful, affectionate and a passionate Nigerian who gave his best for the growth of maritime industry and the nation at large. We shall surely miss him,” Bello said.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, also mourns the demise of former NMA Director General.
Adeyanju describes Ferdinard Agu as someone prioritized the welfare of the agency’s workers during his tenure as Director General, even as the union leader extolled his excellence and diligence.
Adeyanju, who also doubles as the Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), fondly recalls that he jokingly referred to the table of former NIMASA Director Generals as “Association of Veterans of former Directors General of NIMASA” tagged Ferdinand Agu is the President-General of the Association.
The MWUN President General gave this statement while speaking at the maiden Maritime Stakeholders meeting with the current Director General of NIMASA, Mobereola. The Late Ferdinand and his colleagues (former NIMASA DGs) were seated together.
