Stakeholders in the Maritime industry recently rolled out their drums to celebrate one of their own, Chief Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi who turned 70 years on the 6th of July, 2014.
Chief Sarumi, a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers’ Council between 15th of October, 2003 and May, 2007 as well as a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) executed the federal government’s port reform programme which led to the successful transfer of terminal handling operations from NPA to private companies.
The event which held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, saw the likes of the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun who was represented at the occasion by his Special Assistant, Mrs. Remi Onasanya, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana represented by his son, Prince Lana, Senator Munire Muse and a host of other dignitaries in attendance.
A colloquium in honour of Chief sarumi was what set the stage for a critical review of all his efforts at repositioning NPA and the maritime industry for the nation to begin to harness and take full advantage of the potentials offered by the maritime industry.
Speaking in a welcome address presented on his behalf by the General Manager South West of NPA, Mallam Abba Rufai, the Managing Director of NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi described Chief Sarumi as a man who had an excellent career in the maritime industry.
Abdullahi observed that even in retirement, Chief Sarumi still embraced and understood the need for change along with the culture of continuous improvement that were critical to the success of any industry especially the maritime industry.
According to him,” his vision and commitment to the development of the industry both in service and retirement are without doubt worthy of commendation, emulation, encouragement and a source of encouragement for stakeholders in the maritime industry”.
“it is my belief that participating in the colloquium will lead us not only to a clear understanding of the industry, but give meaning and understanding to life and the good that we can do with it”.
On his part, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Hassan Bello who incidentally was employed into NSC by the same Chief sarumi as the Managing Director, described Chief Sarumi as a de-tribalized Nigerian who consciously developed the intellectual power house to drive his vision of maritime industry worthy of making life more abundant for Nigerians and stakeholders in the industry.
He said,” Chief Sarumi’s knack for an industry rooted in ensuring that relevant legal framework are always in place created professional linkages that are beneficial to the industry with a view to attracting investments into the maritime sector of the economy”.
Bello disclosed that it was during his time that the idea of the Inland Container Depots (ICDs) was conceptualized.
In a colloquium moderated by a one time Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Alhaji Abdulsalam Mohammed and made up of Ubah Mohammed, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, Dr. Vicky Haastrup, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun and Prof. Bamidele Badejo as discussants, issues related to the sustainable growth of the maritime industry was discussed and interspersed with encomiums on Chief Sarumi whose driving force working with a team of dedicated workers and officials were highlighted.
In her contribution, the Secretary, Abuja MOU and former Director general of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mrs. Mfon Usoro noted that the lack of synergy between the relevant stakeholders in the maritime industry has robbed the sector of the necessary legal framework.
She therefore called on all the groups in the sector to close ranks in order to surmount the problems plaguing the industry.
Also, the former Port Manager of Apapa Port Complex, Mr. Joshua Asanga stated that the beautiful things being said about Chief sarumi was rooted in whatever endeavour he set his eyes on.
Asanga who worked as Chief Sarumi’s Personal Assistant disclosed that he has paid his dues and relied on long years of experience garnered through hardwork and participation in the activities of several committees.
Moreso, the Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) 2014, Barr. Margaret Orakwusi regretted that the fishing industry which thrived under the administration of Chief Sarumi took a flight to other countries owing to to the less attention being paid to the industry in recent times.
Bemoaning the state of the roads leading to the nation’s ports, the Executive Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium and Chairperson, Seaport terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Dr. Vicky Haastrup made a passionate appeal to stakeholders to jointly rise up to the situation of bad roads in Apapa which according to her was adversely affecting businesses therein.
“The very terrible situation has had several persons and business concerns suffer unquantifiable losses in human lives and properties. The state of the roads also has health and security implications”, Haastrup said.
She therefore appealed to the federal government to come to the rescue of the stakeholders and residents alike who go through untold hardships on the roads on daily basis.
Contributing, prof. Bamidele Badejo assured that the Lagos state government had started engaging the relevant authorities in fashioning out ways and means of finally addressing the situation.
He said that the tanker driver had promised to do something about the menace they had caused on the roads within seven days.
Responding, the Chief Celebrant, Chief Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for the honour done him and his family by the maritime community.
Chief Sarumi who was overwhelmed by the turn out of people from all walks of life at the event pledging to commit more of his energy to the well being being and the growth of the maritime industry.
