Two former Presidents of the Senate, Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Simon Okeke Ochindo, among others have paid tributes to the deceased former Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA), Ferdinand Agu.
Agu, who was the director general of the defunct National Maritime Authority (NMA) now NIMASA between 2000 and 2005 died on 7th June 2024 at the age of 64 years.
They paid their last respects to the deceased at the “Night of Tributes” held in Abuja on Wednesday night in his honour, attended by former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pallen Fallen; former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka; former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke jr, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs Farida Waziri, among others.
In his oration, former Senate President Anyim who is also the Chairman of the planning committee for the event said he had known Agu for over 20 years within which he lived exemplary life and contributed to the development of Nigeria.
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation said: “Your presence here certainly shows your commitment and loyalty to friendship, which was the hallmark of Ferdinand’s life.
“I have known him for over 20 years, he was deep and thoughtful and yet humble. He (Agu) was brilliant and ebullient and yet honest and straight. He was loyal and committed to every relationship he finds himself and yet a man of his own convictions. That was the Ferdinand I knew for over 20 years.”
On his part, former Senate President Nnamani described the deceased as an ‘encyclopedia’ who deployed his talents for the betterment of humanity and progress of Nigeria.
He said: “Ferdinand, we may not be contemporaries, but as a respectful individual, carries himself with his charisma, you cannot ignore him, he doesn’t matter how old you are. Personality is something that is naturally endowed. He was endowed. It is difficult to talk about him in the past, but the truth is that he is gone.
“The family, if you turn around and see the galaxy of individuals here, it will give you a little bit of solace. If you also take a closer look at the qualities of individuals who have attended this occasion, it goes to confirm what some of us know about Ferdinand.
“Because if your contemporaries are honest enough to say the truth about you, and if you are a lier, it is your contemporaries that will expose you quickly because they know you more than others.”
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker Kalu said Agu’s sudden departure has left a void that words could scarcely describe, but his legacy, rich with generosity, compassion, and dedication, remained ever-present in the minds of people.
Kalu said Agu was more than a public servant; but a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for many noting that as the former Director General of NIMASA and as a Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, he served Nigeria with distinction and honour.
“Ferdinand was a gentleman of profound kindness and humility. His life was a testament to the power of compassion and the impact one individual can have on countless lives. He reached out to those in need, offering not just material support, but a listening ear, a kind word, and a spirit of encouragement.
“His philanthropy was not about grand gestures but about the quiet, consistent acts of generosity that changed lives and built communities,” the deputy speaker said.
In his remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola recalled that when Agu resumed as head of the agency in 2000, he brought in a breath of fresh air.
Mobereola said the agency then was at a cross-road because the reason for its existence was threatened but used his professionalism to turnaround and transformed NIMASA
“He (Agu) was appointed as an undertaker, however, Arc. Ferdinand Agu with his true passion, his personal conviction and professionalism turnaround, transformed NIMASA. He was a paradox, an enigma. There was no financial scandal during his time.”
In her tributes, Tallen said she knew Agu for over 25 years ago, describing him as reliable, dependable, committed and a good man who meant well for Nigeria.
She lamented that; “It is so painful for me to stand here and talk about Ferdinand in the past. Apart from his intellectual capacity, he was simply phenomenal. Nigeria has lost one of its best. He lived an impactful life!”
