Minister, SGF, Others Shower Encomium On Shippers’ Council’s Boss, Akutah

AJOKE PHILIP

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, has been described by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, as a “competent, worthy ally,” following his purposeful leadership at the agency so far.

 

Oyetola, who spoke at a reception for Akutah in Lagos over the weekend by the Benue Professionals in Lagos, stated: “Akutah is one of the highly competent experts that Mr. President has appointed to execute the mandate of the Marine and Blue Economy.

 

“Although it is less than a year since he assumed office as Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, the council under his watch is making impressive and steady progress that is highly commendable.”

 

Joining many other government and community stakeholders to recognise that Akutah has achieved so much in less than a year of heading the NSC, Oyetola noted that in government’s quest for the maritime sector to contribute more to growing the national GDP and further diversifying the economy to enhance revenue, “Akutah remains one of the best hands appointed to steer the ship of the economy.

 

According to the minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Akinola, the NSC “plays a major part in the renewed hope agenda, being the economic regulator in the maritime sector, and has been mandated to ensure that the quality, quantity and cost of service in the entire sector is moderated and standardised in line with global best practice.

 

“Only last Friday, we witnessed the signing of the joint agreement on minimum conditions of service for labour in the Nigerian shipping industry. Without his support, as well as that of other stakeholders, we would not have achieved the milestone.

 

“The agreement is testament to what we have achieved through mutual respect and collaborative effort, of which yours is one of the most highly noted. With trusted and dependable allies like your esteemed self, the journey towards building a more united maritime sector is better for all of us as stakeholders.

 

“I am confident that as the ES/CEO of NSC, not only will he continue to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors, he also has a great opportunity to cement the legacy of his achievements at the helm.”

 

Similarly, Dr Chris Takar, who is the Chief of Staff to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, described Akutah as a “brilliant young man with powerful ears, who carries his responsibilities with brilliance, excellence, humility and the zeal to serve, which are “rare qualities in men.”

 

Representing Akume at the event, Takar noted that given what Akutah has done already in less than a year in office and the plans he is working on, Akutah will be one of the stars of this administration if chronicled after four years “because if we look from where he took off to where he has come, we will recall the milestones he has reached, and every one of them is laudable.

 

“It is good that in the midst of greatness, in the midst of mighty men, he is a shining star. Let this just be the beginning of celebrations, because I believe you still have a lot to offer this nation; milestones to go in your community and personal lives.”

 

On his part, and full of appreciation, Akutah thanked the Mr. President for trusting that he would be a valuable part of, “and for finding me competent enough to serve in his administration.” He also thanked Akume as his mentor and good role model “for shaping his life and giving him to Nigeria to be able to serve the country.”

 

He also thanked the minister, stating that the very first time they met was the day he gave him the job. According to him, “he never knew me anywhere. It took only five minutes of our being together, after I was endorsed by Sen. George Akume, and he entrusted this responsibility into my hand.”

 

And for sending the Eyo Masquerade to grace the occasion, he thanked the Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu, “who has just surprised me with the highest honour given to anyone in Lagos.

 

“I do not believe that I deserve that honour, but it is in the heart of the king to bless anyone that he so wishes. So, I am so grateful that he found me worthy of that honour.”

 

Akutah further commended the members of staff of the NSC “for being so tremendously courageous group of people. It was just so easy for me to blend with them. Our journey has just started, and by the grace of God, Nigeria will not only hear about Shippers’ Council but will also hear about every one of you.”

 

He further thanked the organisers, the Benue Professionals in Lagos, for finding it, “in the abundance of their kindness,” to honour him, praying that this same honour will continue with other personalities from Benue.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee of Benue Professionals in Lagos, Dr. Ben Vangerwua, the event was to host and celebrate “a Benue son who has made us proud and has continued to shine.”

 

According to him, Akutah’s appointment was “a testament to the values we hold dear – of integrity,” adding that the Benue community is sure that his stay at the helm of NSC will foster growth and transformation of the maritime industry.”

 

He further charged Benue State people to continue striving for excellence in their different roles.

 

The highpoint of the event was Akutah and the wife being dressed by the community in their traditional outfit, to the cheer and admiration of family, including his mother and mother-in-law and children, friends and associates in various endeavours, including priests and religious and members of the National Assembly, who graced the event.

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