Anyim, Kalu, others pay tributes to ex-NIMASA DG, Ferdinand Agu

A former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, ex-Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Simon Ochindo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and erstwhile Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi were some of the eminent Nigerians who paid their last respect to the former Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Ferdinand Agu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Agu, who was Chief Executive Officer of the defunct National Maritime Authority, now NIMASA, from 2000 to 2005 died on June 7, 2024, at the age of 64.

Other distinguished guests at the “Night of Tributes” held on Wednesday night in honour of Agu were former Minister of Women Affairs, Pallen Tallen; former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka; former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr., former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Farida Waziri, among others.

Anyim, who also chairs the planning committee, recalled the great times he shared with the deceased.

He 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 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.”

Also speaking, a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, said from what he’s heard of Agu, there’s no doubt he was revered by all who came into contact with him.

He stated, “Ferdinand, we may not be contemporaries, but as a respectful individual who carried himself with charisma; you cannot ignore him.

“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.

“To 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.”

On his part, the Deputy Speaker said Agu’s sudden departure has left a void that cannot be filled easily.

Kalu described Agu as a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for many.

“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,” Kalu said.

In his contribution, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Simon Ochindo, described the deceased as a lover of humanity and the youth.

For Mrs Tallen, Agu was “A reliable, dependable, committed and a good man,” adding that “Apart from his intellectual capacity, Agu was simply phenomenal. Nigeria has lost one of her best. He lived an impactful life.”

On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, recalled that when Agu resumed as DG of the agency in 2000, he brought in a breath of fresh air.

“He was appointed as an undertaker; however, Ferdinand Agu with his true passion, personal conviction and professionalism turnaround and transformed NIMASA. He was a paradox, an enigma. There was no financial scandal during his time,” he said.

The Director General, Department of State Services, Peter Afunnaya, on his part, described Agu as a tiger without harmful claws.