The maritime industry has been thrown into a mourning mood again following the sudden death of Barrister Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi. This came after the death of another cerebral maritime icon, Otunba Kunle Folarin who gave up the ghost shortly after the fall of a maritime amazon, Mrs. Ngozi Obikili, earlier.
All these deaths came with a pool of surprise and shock to maritime and logistics industry stakeholders who feel deeply saddened that their stock of skilled professionals are being increasingly depleted in quick measure without corresponding pace of replacement.
These are the best of the bests the industry has to offer in terms of professionalism, altruism, humanism and patriotism. The pattern of exit is suggestive of a relay race of death in track and field, with an existential question: Who’s next?
Drawing from this strings of deaths, what lessons have been learnt for the living to improve lives and the industry? The very poignant reality here and lesson of life is thrown in a question form: Who knows tomorrow? As humans, the late Queen of Maritime industry did not see tomorrow but she envisioned a better tomorrow for all and the industry.
She redefined philanthropy as a style of living and a fountain of sustainable hope for the seeming hopeless. She gave assistance even when it was not convenient for her. Yes, she gave comfort in her discomfort without complaints and even found fulfilment in it. She was a mentor of mentors; a boardroom titan, an investor activist; a humanist and a serial entrepreneur. What could be described as most painful here to humans is the multi-billion naira Jetty just completed and awaiting commission. Orakwusi saw tomorrow but could not decipher tomorrow.
She was a mother to many children she never gave birth to; shaped many enterprises not in her going concerns; redirected lives in accidental drift. Today, the story of MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame(WoFHoF) Initiative being a success with the lives of over 3000 women touched in many dimensions would not have been possible without her able leadership as the Board of Trustees chairperson, ably supported by Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa another female sensational enigma in the logistics and transport industry.
How the late Lady Margaret Orakwusi will be remembered or immortalized in the industry remains a concern for all maritime stakeholders as her legacies strut between the inimitable visible and the enduring invisible.
In years to come, her memories of intrusive personality will remain with stakeholders to push for change and a sustainable maritime space. Her exit however has continued to draw heart-moving tributes from the maritime industry players and business community at large.
From the government quarters, top industry players, friends and associates, it has been a deluge of tributes for a woman described by many as one of the Amazons of the maritime industry.
According to the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, in a statement titled “We Mourn As A “Maritime Jewel” Transits” obtained by MMS Plus, he described the late Onyema-Orakwusi as “a jewel in our nation’s maritime industry and a passionate voice among maritime practitioners at home and abroad”.
Hear him, I received with shock, in the early hours of Saturday 29th April 2023, the passing of Chief (Ms) Barrister Margaret Nkem Onyema-Oriakwusi, a jewel in our nation’s maritime industry and a passionate voice among maritime practitioners at home and abroad.
While we mourn the loss of a jewel, a mother and an Amazon, we pay tributes to her and celebrate a life well lived.
Her veritable contributions to the nation’s maritime growth, particularly in the Trawling business, among many others are worthy of mention.
Her highly cerebral views, passionate and endearing work ethic stands her out among her peers, and this we admire.
May the Almighty God grant her family and the maritime industry the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May her legacies endure, her memories cherished and her soul rest in perfect peace. Adieu!” he wrote in a signed statement.
On his part, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, also joined eminent stakeholders in the sector in mourning the demise of Orakwusi.
n a statement on the official Twitter handle of the authority, Bello-Koko, said the contributions of Orakwusi to the nation’s Marítime sector are immeasurable.
He said, “On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the Authority, we condole with the entire Orakwusi family on the demise of an inspirational figure in the field of Maritime Law.
Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs Orakwusi made significant contributions to the maritime industry, particularly in the area of legal expertise.”
“She was widely recognized as an authority on maritime law and her knowledge and skills will remain a reservoir of knowledge for the industry. Her path-finding contributions to the field of maritime law are immeasurable. Mrs Orakwusi was a true expert in her field, possessing a deep knowledge and uncommon understanding of the complex legal issues that arise in the maritime industry.”
“She was a fierce advocate for equal opportunity. In addition to her legal achievements, Barrister Orakwusi was also a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in the workplace. She mentored and inspired countless young women, helping them to realize their full potential.”
“Orakwusi’s legacy will also live on in the memories of the countless lives she touched through her philanthropy. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable achievements, but also for her kindness, generosity, and compassion.”
“Her contributions to the maritime industry will remain indelible in the annals of the Nigerian Ports Authority. May her impactful soul rest in peace.”
Similarly, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh while on a condolence visit to home described Orakwusi as one who was always bubbling with insightful counsel.
He eulogized her as someone who staked her all for the good of the nation’s shipping industry, even as he lamented that her demise is a huge loss to the maritime sector and the nation at large.
His words: “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 frontlines 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.”
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) also described Onyema-Orakwusi as an icon of the Maritime Industry that has contributed to the growth and development of the Authority.
In a statement by Jibril Darda’u General Manager, Corporate Affairs Department, the Managing Director NIWA, Chief Dr. George Moghalu lauded her for her contribution to the growth and development of the Authority
The Management and staff of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) wish to express their deep shock over the death of Barr. Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi, a foremost maritime practitioner, chairman of the Nigerian Ship Owners Forum and member of many notable organizations in the country.
The 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.
The MD also commiserates with her family and loved ones and prayed to God Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear the great loss. May her gentle soul rest in peace” the statement reads.
The Maritime Researchers and Authors Association of Nigeria (MARASSON) also penned an emotional condolence message to Orakwusi describing her as an Amazon in the industry.
According to a statement by A.O. Vincent, National Secretary of the association, he lauded her for achieving a lot in the industry.
“Another maritime icon, an institution is gone home to her ancestors after a brief illness. Margaret was a giant, an Amazon in the maritime industry. She came, saw and conquered. I have come to realize that longevity is very important in the list of life’s important things but it seems to be the least Important in the list of important things in life: achievement seems to be the most important thing in this list of important things in life, for it lives many years after the achiever has left this mortal and sinful world.
Achievement is a permanent footprint. Margaret achieved quite a lot. I then heard a voice modifying my conclusion. That voice said that Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi earned both achievements and longevity. May she replicate all when she comes back to the world of reincarnation. Since life and death are in the hands of God alone, who are we to query Him? He gave. He has taken away.
May the great soul of Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi rest in peace. May those she handed over the baton of leadership continue steadfastly where she left of.. Let us all remember that one day we shall leave this bounteous earth and travel to a world beyond our ken. All human problems shall then abate, and they shall blend with six feet of the terrain.
On behalf of the Maritime Researchers and Authors Association of Nigeria (MARASSON), we convey our deepest condolences to the Orakwusi family on this irreparable loss of their wife, mother and woman leader of the maritime industry. May God assuage their anguish and give them the grace to bear the grievous loss and move on. We are all visitors in this marketplace called the world” he said.
The League of Maritime Editors also expressed shock over the demise of the Chairman of the Shipowners Forum, Barrister (Mrs) Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi weekend.
The President of League, Chief Timothy Okorocha, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Francis Ugwoke described Orakwusi as an erudite maritime personality who has contributed immensely to the development of the industry.
Okorocha said the maritime industry will miss her wealth of experience for a long time to come.
He condoled with the family praying to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Orakwusi died on April 28th, 2023 after a brief illness as announced via a statement by Ezinma Ileka, Binyelum, and Ody Orakwusi (Children of Princess Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi)
Orakwusi was an Amazon in the nation’s maritime sector, playing numerous strategic roles over the years including Chairperson, 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, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) 2014 to 2023; 1st Vice-President, Nigerian Ship Owners Association 2014; Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) 2013 – 2014; Council Member, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping 2012 – 2023; among others.
She was the Chief Executive Officer of Morbod Group.
Until her death, she is the Chairperson, Board of Trustees( BoT) MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) Initiative. She was a serial activist investor, a gender activist, socialite and chronic entrepreneur with a humanistic temperament.
