The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigerian (MARAN) has described the death of Barrister Margaret Orakwusi as a huge loss to the Nigerian maritime industry, saying that Nigerian maritime sector has lost a rare gem.
The association also seized the opportunity to call for mentorship in the by icons in the industry.
In a press statement issued on behalf of MARAN, signed by its President, Mr Godfrey Bivbere, the association described the death of Orakwusi, a maritime lawyer of over three decades, and a frontline shipowner, as a huge loss
According to MARAN, “Orakwusi is a front line shipping expert who has engraved her footprints in the sands of time in maritime sector, especially in her struggle for growth and survival of “Fish Trawling business in Nigeria.”
MARAN said that “Orakwusi would be greatly missed for her positive role and contributions towards the growth of the Nigerian maritime sector.”
It however noted that Orakwusi is the second maritime expert that the sector is losing after the death of another icon, Otunba Kunle Folarin who died in 2022.
The association therefore urged other living maritime sector icons on the need for mentorship and knowledge transfer to younger professionals coming up in the industry in order to avoid dearth of knowledge in the sector.
According to a message sent by the deceased children; Ezinma Ileka, Binyelum and Ody Orakwusi, the former President of Shipowners Forum died on April 28th, 2023 after a brief illness.
“With total submission to the will of God, we sadly announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister and aunt; Princess (Barrister) Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi which occurred on April 28th, 2023 after a brief illness.
“The family requests privacy during this difficult time but will host visitations between Monday May1st and Friday May 5th, 2023 within the hours of 4pm to 7pm daily at her residence in Ikoyi.
“The family will make funeral announcement in due course.
“Kindly put us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time” the message read.