By David Oladimeji
In an emotional tribute to some of Nigeria’s most influential maritime personalities, Platform Reporters conferred posthumous awards on four late industry icons during the 10th Anniversary of the Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference held last week in Lagos.
The honoured maritime leaders were late Otunba Kunle Folarin, late Barr Mrs. Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, late Engr. Olu Akinsoji and late Hon. Dr. Chris Asoluka, all of whom were recognized for their exceptional contributions to mentorship, youth development and the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The award presentation formed one of the major highlights of the landmark conference, which brought together industry leaders, students, academics, regulators and stakeholders at the Mission to Seafarers Conference Hall in Apapa, Lagos.
Speaking during the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Platforms Communications, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, described the four award recipients as champions of mentorship whose legacies continue to inspire generations of maritime professionals.
According to Obasi, the decision to honour the late industry leaders was informed by their unwavering commitment to human capital development and their consistent support for initiatives aimed at empowering young people within the maritime sector.
Before the presentation of the awards, participants observed a minute silence in honour of the departed maritime icons, creating an atmosphere of reflection and gratitude for their remarkable contributions to the industry.
Otunba Kunle Folarin was honoured as Nigeria Maritime Encyclopedia, acknowledging his vast knowledge of the industry as a respected maritime administrator, industry leader and advocate whose influence helped shape several generations of maritime professionals through his leadership and commitment to capacity development.
A section of participants at the 10th AMSAY Conference held recently in Lagos.
The late Barr Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi was honoured as The Maritime Jewel, celebrating her pioneering roles as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished female maritime leaders, whose dedication to advocacy, mentorship and professional excellence earned her admiration across the industry.
Engr. Olu Akinsoji was honoured as The Maritime Legend in recognition of his immense contributions to marine engineering, professional development and youth empowerment, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to industry growth.
Similarly, the late Hon. Dr. Chris Asoluka was honoured as Maritime Most Profound Eloquent Speaker in acknowledgent of his outstanding contributions to public speaking, intellectual engagement and support for initiatives that promoted leadership development among young Nigerians.
Pearl Ngwama receiving the posthumous award on behalf of the family Engr Olu Akinsoji at the 10th AMSAY Conference held recently in Lagos
Stakeholders at the event described the posthumous awards as a fitting recognition of individuals whose lives and careers were devoted to building a stronger and more sustainable maritime sector.
Many participants noted that while the four icons may no longer be physically present, their ideas, values and contributions continue to influence policy discussions, professional development and youth-oriented programmes within the industry.
The awards also reinforced AMSAY Conference commitment to celebrating excellence and preserving the legacies of individuals who dedicated their lives to advancing maritime education, leadership and mentorship.
For many students attending the conference, the stories of the award recipients served as powerful lessons on the importance of integrity, vision, service and commitment to national development.
Meanwhile, responding after receiving the award onbehalf of the family, Somachi Asoluka, daughter of Late Dr Chris Asoluka and CEO of Tony Elumelu Foundation expressed appreciation to the organisers for the Posthumous award conferred on her dad.
Mrs Lamide Adeosun receiving the posthumous award on behalf of the family of Otunba Olakunle Folarin at the 10th AMSAY Conference held recently in Lagos
According to her, “We are touched by this recognition and sincerely grateful to Platforms Communications and organisers of AMSAY Conference for choosing to celebrate Dr Asoluka’s contributions to youth development, mentorship, capacity-building, and the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime sector”.
Also expressing their gratitude after receiving the posthumous awards, Barr Binyelum Orakwusi, son of Late Barr Mrs Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi and Mrs Lamide Adeosun, daughter of Late Otunba Kunle Folarin also thanked Platforms Communications for the award honour.
Barr Binyelum Orakwusi receiving the posthumous award on behalf of the family of Barr Mrs Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi at the 10th AMSAY Conference held recently in Lagos
According to Mrs Adeosun, “On behalf of my family, I am deeply honored to accept this award in memory of my father.
“My father was a man of remarkable dedication, integrity, and commitment. He had a deep love for the maritime industry and devoted much of his life to its growth and development. His work was more than a profession—it was a passion. He believed in excellence, valued hard work, and took great pride in contributing to an industry that was so important to him.
“Although he is no longer with us, the values he lived by and the impact he made continue to inspire those who knew him and worked alongside him. I know he would have been humbled and grateful to receive this recognition.
That emotional moment when Somachi Asoluka received the posthumous award on behalf of the family of Dr Chris Asoluka at the 10th AMSAY Conference held recently in Lagos
“As a family, we are sincerely thankful for this honor. It means a great deal to us and serves as a reminder that his dedication and contributions have not been forgotten”, Folarin daughter stated.
As the ceremony concluded, participants applauded Platform Reporters for ensuring that the legacies of Folarin, Onyema-Orakwusi, Akinsoji and Asoluka remain alive, inspiring a new generation of maritime professionals to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
