By Steve Agbota
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, paid a condolence visit to the home of Late Barr (Mrs) Margaret Orakwusi, in Ikoyi.
Jamoh who emphasised that Orakwusi’s demise as a huge loss to both the maritime sector and Nigeria in general, described Orakwusi as someone who staked her all for the good of the nation’s shipping industry.
“Orakwusi was a leader and an industry stakeholder extraordinaire who truly staked her all for the good of the nation’s maritime industry. She was humble and easy to talk to. She was brilliant and ever-bubbling with insightful counsel, always on the front lines and willing to contribute.
“Her every move and utterance was well-intentioned. Barely asking but always giving. Singlehandedly taking on the impossible. Barrister Margaret Orakwusi was loved by all. Oh! What a loss. May her memory be a blessing that inspires us all.”
Orakwusi was an amazon in the nation’s maritime sector, playing numerous strategic roles over the years including: Chairperson, of Nigerian Ship-owners Forum; first female President, Nigeria Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) 2008 – 2011; Pioneer Co-Chairman, Nigerian Fisheries Laboratory, a joint venture between the Private Sector (NITOA) and the Federal Government (Ministry of Agriculture) established to certify seafood products exported from Nigeria.
She was also a member, Nigerian Bar Association 1985 to 2023; Member, Board of Trustees, the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) 2014 to 2023; 1st Vice-President, the Nigerian Ship Owners Association 2014; Chairman, the Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) 2013 – 2014; Council Member, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping 2012 – 2023; among others.
In a related development, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority NIWA has expressed deep shock over the late Barr. Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi’s death, describing her as a foremost maritime practitioner, and chairman of Nigerian Ship Owners Forum.
The NIWA Managing Director, Chief Dr. George Moghalu described her as an Icon of the Maritime Industry who has contributed to the growth and development of the Authority.
“The Late Barr Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi is a client and friend of NIWA and the Authority will surely miss her,” Moghalu stated, commiserating with her family and loved ones; while praying to God Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear the great loss.