Hadiza, MD NPA Courts Maritime Press

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala -Usman has said that she has learnt so much within her short spell in the port industry and that she appreciated the media for partnering the NPA management and being able to convey some of its programmes effectively to the publics, charging the media to always cross check their facts before publishing to reduce contrary stories.

Speaking while receiving a platinum award bestowed on her by Portgist on TV “as the trail blazer of the Maritime Industry” in her office in Lagos on Thursday, last week, Usman said she believed in working hard first while awards should come after service, stressing that she operates open door policy at all times.

She added, “collectively we are stronger, this industry is ours and Nigeria is our country, therefore, the success of the industry is for the betterment of all of us”.

Usman admonished maritime journalists to embrace an investigative approach in their profession, stating that misinformation would not pay premium to the sector. Thus, she called on the Journalists to partner the NPA management in a holistic effort to ensure the sector is positioned as a major player in the sub-region and beyond.

In his contribution, Otunba Kunle Folarin, Chairman Port Consultative Council (PCC) eulogized the managing director, referring to her as one who has developed into a professional of repute deserving accolades. The PCC Chairman urged the MD to continue her sacrifice and due-diligence as stakeholders are only but appreciative of her efforts.

The Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sekonte Davies at the event said that it is gratifying sharing in the glory of the Managing Director, assuring that she has indeed brought enduring changes to the port industry.

Earlier, the Executive Producer/Editor-in-Chief of Portgist on TV, Dr. Kayode Farinto stated that the Managing Director of NPA is a trail blazer who deserves to be celebrated especially when her rich pedigree is put into consideration, affirming the saying “whatever a man can do, a woman can do better”.

Dr. Farinto added that what the MD achieved would better be appreciated considering the geographical zone she came from concluding that it was high time we respected and celebrated our women.

At the ceremony were a cross section of NPA’s General Managers, other officials from Portgist and the Media.