- Barr. and Barr. (Mrs.) Pius Akutah after being decorated in their traditional regalia during a reception hosted in honour of the Shippers’ Council chief executive by the Benue Professionals in Lagos…over the weekend
By Anthony Nwachukwu
The evening was to song and dance, and merriments. Then, eulogies ensued, not fanned by partisan affiliations but straight, verifiable facts from the persona of Mr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah – who he is, and what he has done, using the platform of the grand reception in his hour over the weekend by the Benue Professionals in Lagos.
In a glowing tribute that transcends the façade of official make-me-shy common to such occasions, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, described the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah, as a “competent, worthy ally.”
By all intents and purposes, this cannot be a mere passing remark given that Akutah, who came to him highly recommended, won his heart within five minutes of first meeting, and is just about a year in office, has proved his mettle with every step in his charge.
Oyetola’s appraisal following Akutah’s achievements at the agency and the maritime industry so far was relayed by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Akinola, who represented him at a event.
“Akutah is one of the highly competent experts that Mr. President has appointed to execute the mandate of the Marine and Blue Economy,” he said.
“Though 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.”
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.
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, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr Chris Takar, described Akutah as a “brilliant young man who carries his responsibilities with excellence, humility and the zeal to serve, which are rare qualities in men.”
Representing the SGF, Sen. George Akume, Takar noted that given what Akutah has done in less than a year in office and his ongoing plans, he would be a star of this administration 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.”
On his part, and full of appreciation, Akutah thanked Mr. President for trusting and finding him “competent enough to serve in his administration,” and Akume “for shaping his life and giving him to Nigeria to be able to serve the country.”
He also thanked Oyetola, stating that the first time they ever met was the day the minister 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.
To the NSC members of staff, whose Director of Consumer Affairs, Glory Onojedo, had earlier in his tribute said were living a dream era with the new CEO, Akutah said they are tremendously courageous, adding: “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, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee of Benue Professionals in Lagos, Dr. Ben Vangerwua, said 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.”
The highpoint of the event was Akutah and wife being dressed by the community in their traditional outfit, to the cheer and admiration of family – his mother, 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.
