Former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, has expressed sadness over the death of Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, saying that she was a huge authority and inspiration in the country’s maritime sector.
He said that her demise would create a big vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
Dakuku said he was deeply saddened at the passing of the maritime lawyer and shipping magnate, who he described as an authority in maritime law and the fishing sub-sector.
A statement on Sunday by the Dakuku Peterside Media Team quoted the public sector turnaround expert as saying that “Onyema-Orakwusi was a notable and accomplished shipping magnate and maritime lawyer. This is a great loss to the maritime community, especially the fishing sub-sector.
“Her demise will be felt by her associates and the maritime community. She contributed immensely to the growth and development of the maritime industry.
“She was an inspiration to a lot of women who saw her as a star in a male-dominated maritime sector. She put her heart and determination into every endeavour she embarked upon.”
Dakuku recalled his encounters with Onyema-Orakwusi and said she spoke with passion, deep knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the maritime sector.
Dakuku further said: “When I served as DG/CEO of NIMASA, she played key advisory role in the reform of maritime regulations. She showed deep understanding on the interface between business at a practical level and maritime regulation and I appreciated her for all her advice.
“I could always count on her for dispassionate opinions on issues that required attention and direction; she showed enormous grasp of issues within the sector.”
Dakuku commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased, and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Onyema-Orakwusi died on April 28 after a brief illness.
She was former chairman, Nigerian Fishing Trawlers Owners Association (NIFTOA).
Onyema-Orakwusi served as Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX), Board Member, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and Chairman, Shipowners Forum.
