The Board and Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) have paid a condolence visit to the family of late Barr. Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi.
A statement from by signed Rakiya Dhikru-Yagboyaju, Deputy Director, Public Relations Unit,Nigerian Shippers’ Council stated that ” In a condolence letter presented by Mallam Samaila Abdullahi the Chairman of the Council’s Governing Board, the Board expressed shock over the news of the passing of one of them.
“We woke up to the very sad and devastating news of the death of our dear friend and sister, Mrs. Margaret Onyema Orakwusi.
“While no one can question God Almighty, the suddenness of her passing was most shocking not only to us, her comrades on the Governing Board of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, but indeed to the generality of stakeholders in the maritime industry in Nigeria.
“Orakwusi was a consummate businesswoman, a great patriot, and easily one of the most successful, knowledgeable and important voices in the maritime sector of our country”‘, the letter said.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Rt. Honourable Emmanuel Jime described late Barr. Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi as a rare gem, adding that she contributed greatly to the development of the nation’s maritime sector.
Jime who was represented by the Director, Human Resources Management Department of the Council, Mrs. Adaku Okam stated this during the condolence visit to the Orakwusi family in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The ES/CEO called on the children of the deceased to preserve her legacy, particularly in the maritime sector.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Adewale Adeyanju said the union received with a rude shock the demise of Orakwusi .
According to statement from the union, Mrs Orakwusi, was a very strong advocate of the feminine gender who believed in the ideology of women inclusiveness in all facets of human endeavour, most especially in the Maritime Sector, where she once held sway as President of Trawler Owners Association of Nigeria (NITOA) adding that ” She was also instrumental for the acquisition of terminal for fishing trawlers.”
“Barrister Orakwusi did not stop at that as she went further to agitate for a special joint Naval and Maritime Security Patrol Force cum the supervision of the packaging and marketing of the nation’s fish amongst Trawler Owners, ushering in a means of standardizing the fishing business in Nigeria. This singular dynamic input brought about the acceptability of Nigerian fish in the global market.
“As an advocate of women inclusiveness in the maritime sector, Mrs Orakwusi encouraged women tutored and mentored them into the fishing industry; a feat she achieved during her life time.
“She had however, served in various designations in the maritime industry as we she was Chairperson, Planning Committee of the Nigerian International Expo And Exhibition ( NIMAREX ) in 2014; also a Chairperson, Nigerian Shipowners Forum amongst others.
“Barrister Orakwusi, indeed was an Amazon of the female gender initiative, a rare gem, who touched the heart of the industry by infusing in women alongside the men folks. She was an epitome of motherhood who believed in equity, fairness and justice; little wonder, she is being missed by all and sundry for the unique legacies she has left behind worth of emulation.
“She will remain indelible in the sands of time and her loving memory will linger on in the hearts of good men, particularly in the sector where transformed many lives for the betterment of the society.”
