Effedua, Jamoh, Others Mourn Margaret Orakwusi

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Captains of industry has expressed shock and disbelief over the news of the passage of the Chairperson of  Ship Owners Forum, and leading maritime player, Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi, which sad event took place yesterday, according to a statement by her family.

While Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Commodore Duja Effedua , said he was still in shock and self-denial over the news of the death, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, expressed same feeling,  even as they lamented that her sudden death has robbed the nation’s maritime and shipping industry of one of its most vibrant, committed and amiable stakeholder.

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Effedua  said Barrister Orakwusi was not only a mentor to the Academy, but also a very passionate industrialists who will be greatly missed by all.

“It’s shocking, I am still in shock and self-denial of the demise of Barrister Margaret Orakwusi. “

He said they discussed recently and there was no sign she was having any trouble, as there discussion touched on critical projects and programmes.

“The last time I chatted with her was in March 2023 and we spoke at length on so many things. We talked about her dream project, the ship-repair yard which she is working on implementing. We talked about how the ship repair yard will benefit the Academy in terms of industrial attachment for Cadets.

“We will miss her so much and the Maritime industry will surely miss her because she has left a very big vacuum. We are happy that we named a project after her during her life time, a Maritime Exhibition Hall which she personally commissioned herself. The project speaks volume because it will forever be in the history of the Academy that there was a Margaret Orakwusi who contributed passionately to the development of the Academy.

“She was a mother to all and a mentor to us. She was a trail blazer and will surely be missed. May her soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.”

The DG NIMASA who took to his social media handles upon hearing about the sad news described the late trawler tycoon as a sister, supporter and friend.

“The maritime industry has lost a colossus, a genuine and selfless soul. I have lost a sister, staunch supporter and friend. I am in shock, but God knows best.

“Rest in peace, Barrister Margaret Orakwusi, Nigeria’s Icon of Fisheries. I extend my condolences to the Orakwusi family.”