Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, OFR (middle) with relatives of the deceased, Oscar Onyema, OON (left) and Onyema Senior at the home of late Barrister Margaret Orakwusi in Lagos.

The Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, has extolled the virtues of late ship owner and maritime lawyer, Mrs. Margaret Onyema-Oraekwusi, saying was always bubbling with insightful counsel. Jamoh spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the home of late maritime icon in Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday.

Oraekwusi died on April 28th, 2023 after a brief illness as announced via a statement by Ezinma Ileka, Binyelum, and Ody Oraekwusi (Children of the deceased).

Jamoh had described her as someone who gave her all for the good of the nation’s shipping industry, even as he lamented that her demise remains a huge loss to the maritime sector and the nation at large.

“Oraekwusi was a leader and an industry stakeholder extraordinaire who truly staked her all for the good of the nation’s maritime industry. She was humble and easy to talk to. She was brilliant and ever-bubbling with insightful counsel, always on the frontlines and willing to contribute.

“Her every move and utterance was well-intentioned. Barely asking but always giving. Singlehandedly taking on the impossible. Barrister Margaret Oraekwusi was loved by all. Oh! What a loss. May her memory be a blessing that inspires us all”, the DG said.

Oraekwusi was an amazon in the nation’s maritime sector, playing numerous strategic roles over the years including: Chairperson, Nigerian Ship-owners Forum; first female President, Nigeria Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) 2008 – 2011; Pioneer Co-Chairman, Nigerian Fisheries Laboratory, a joint venture between the Private Sector (NITOA) and the Federal Government (Ministry of Agriculture) established to certify seafood products exported from Nigeria.

She was also a member, Nigerian Bar Association 1985 to 2023; Member, Board of Trustees, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria SOAN 2014 to 2023; 1st Vice-President, Nigerian Ship Owners Association 2014; Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Expo NIMAREX 2013 – 2014; Council Member, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping 2012 – 2023; among others.