The Honourable Minister of transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has extended his condolences to the Nigeria Port Consultative Council,  NPCC, the immediate family of the deceased and all maritime stakeholders in mourning the Chairman of the NPCC, Otunba Kunle Folarin, who passed on fews day back after a brief illness.

A statement issued and signed by the Minister’s Special Assistant, Sam Idiagbonya, expressed shock at the news of Otunba Folarin’s demise

Idiagbonya quoted the Minister as saying  “The Nation has lost a maritime repository of knowledge, an experienced maritime practitioner, a voice of the ideal, a highly cerebral gentleman and most importantly, a friend”

The Honourable Minister greatly saddened by the news Folarin’s passing said “There was a lot in the pipeline through the ingenuity of this intellectual doyen that will further enhance the dynamics of operation in the country’s maritime sector, and in honour of his memory he will ensure they are brought to fruition”.

“Every moment of his life was dedicated to improving the maritime sector, either in passing down knowledge or being a constructive critic to ensure the ideals are upheld in the sector. He served well and lived well. May the Almighty Allah repose his soul and grant the family he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss” the Honourable Minister said.

Maritime CEOs have also expressed shock on the sudden transition of the Late NPCF Chairman. In separate chas with Maritime Nigeria, the CEOs, said Falarin leaves a void that will remain yawning for a long time.

The Rector,  Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Cdre. Duja Effedua Emmanuel is particularly pained by passing of Otunba Kunle Folarin.

Folarin standing on the street named after him at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria

According to the Rector, “We shared a lot and he told me a lot of things lately and he gave me plenty of advice. He also told me about his situation. We chatted last on 6 November. I never knew that was his goodbye. I am glad we chatted”.

“He very was passionate about the progress of the Academy. He made four personal visits at his own expense to support our work. He was a great Nigeria. I am glad we honoured him with a street at the Academy in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Academy while he was alive. He has always been a pillar. He will surely be missed” Effedua said.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hon. Jime Emmanuel described Folarin as an epitome of maritime knowledge with deep understanding of developments in the industry.

In his words “Otunba Kunle Folarin was always there for us at the Council. He never held back nor refrain from telling you truth irrespective of your views and position. We met severally and our discussions on how to transform the maritime industry were frank and very insightful”, Jime said

The Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, described the late Otunba Folarin as a maritime colossus who made significant impact across various sections of the maritime industry.

Maritime Journalists such as President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ. Mr. Leye Ajayi, Mr. Okey Ibeke, Sesan Onilemo, Bolaji Akinola, Eguono Odjegba, Kelvin Kagbare, Ismail Aniemu and many others have poured encomium on the late Folarin for his efforts and contributions to Nigeria’s Maritime Industry.

May grant the soul of Otunba Kunle Folarin and all the faithful departed eternal peace.