Late chairman, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council NPCC, Otunba Kunle Folarin.

The President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA, Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike and Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup have joined other well-meaning maritime stakeholders to mourn the late chairman of Nigerian Port Consultative Council NPCC and chairman of the National Seafarers Welfare Board NSWB, Otunba Kunle Folarin.

The duo in separate statements have also condoled with the family of the late ‘maritime encyclopedia’, who died at 82, insisting that his death remains a huge loss to the industry, especially given his wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the industry.

A statement personally signed by the ANLCA President reads in part: “The news of Otunba Kunle Folarin’s death did hit me in a shocking manner. Otunba impacted on me as an individual through his fatherly role in my early days and guided my path towards professionalism. Indeed, his demise has left a void in our maritime industry where he has contributed immensely from his knowledge and experience. “His contributions were, no doubt, invaluable. He was a believer in the emancipation of the Nigerian economy through a robust maritime industry. Baba left us when we needed him most. My sincere condolences to his widow, children, other members of his immediate family and the entire Nigerian maritime community. We will miss his wealth of experience and love. May his soul rest in peace”

Princess Haastrup, who doubles as Executive Vice Chairman of ENL Consortium, described the late Otunba Folarin as a “maritime colossus” who made “significant impact” across various sections of the maritime industry.

“I am truly saddened by the death of this great man. Otunba Kunle Folarin’s exit at this time will create a great vacuum in the maritime community. He was an accomplished maritime expert and administrator, and a repository of maritime knowledge. His death will be felt far beyond the maritime industry”, Haastrup said. 

The STOAN Chairman urged the family to take solace in the understanding that their late patriarch lived a fulfilled life and contributed enormously to the development of the maritime industry and the country.

The statement reads: “Otunba Folarin was steadfast in his service to the maritime industry, having served in one of the most senior management positions in Alraine Shipping. He later devoted his life to the wellbeing of seafarers through his selfless and unparalleled service as Chairman of the NSWB and the NPCC. The role he played in the maritime industry will remain indelible for many generations to come”.

She therefore prayed God Almighty to grant his soul eternal rest.