The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani as well as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim on Wednesday in Abuja paid last respect to the former Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA), Sir Ferdinand Agu.
Other digntaries who paid glowing tributes to late Agu are: President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Simon Okeke Ochindo, former Minister of Transportation and APC Presidential Aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi; former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pallen Fallen; former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka; former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke; former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, among others.
During his lifetime, Sir Ferdinand Agu, who served as 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.
Speaking during the Night of Tribute, Hon. Kalu who observed Sir Agu’s sudden departure has left a void that words could scarcely describe, however maintained that his legacy was rich with generosity, compassion and dedication, will remain ever-present in the minds of people.
While noting that Sir Agu while working as a Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, served Nigeria with distinction and honour, the Deputy Speaker argued that he was more than a public servant; 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.
Speaking, former Senate President Anyim, who also doubles as the Chairman of the planning committee for the event said he had known Agu for over 20 years.
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.”
On his part, Senator Nnamani said from the accounts of Agu’s contemporaries, it showed he was an encyclopedia.
He added that for people like him that knew Agu from a distance, the calibre of people that have spoken has confirmed their respect for Agu.
Nnamani stated: “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.”
Adding his voice, the President General of Ohaneze ndigbo, Simon Okeke Ochindo said Agu was a lover of humanity and a lover of the youth.
He said if it is possible to see God, he would ask him why he took the good ones and left the bad ones.
In her tributes, Tallen said she knew Agu for over 25 years ago, describing him as reliable, dependable, committed and a good man.
According to her, 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.
In his address, the incumbent NIMASA Director General, Dayo Mobereola recalled that when Agu resumed as director-general of the agency in 2000, he brought in a breath of fresh air.
He said the organisation then was at a cross-road because the reason for the existence of the agency was threatened.
“He 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.”
The Director of Department of State Security (DSS), Peter Afunnaya described Agu as a tiger without harmful claws.
He said he was an academic giant, humble, very analytical and was almost perfect when it comes to the issue of academics.
