Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, have lauded the sterling performance put up by the Executive Secretary/CEO, of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah in less than one year of his appointment.

Speaking separately at a grand reception organised by the Benue Professionals in Lagos, Akume and Oyetola observed that Akutah remains one of the best appointments made by President Bola Tinubu.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Chris Takar, the SGF described the NSC boss as a brilliant young man with powerful ears.

“Barrister Pius Akutah carries his responsibilities with such brilliance, excellence, humility and the zeal to serve, which are rare qualities in men.

“Based on what he has done so far in less than one year in office and his plans being worked on, the NSC boss will be one of the stars of the present administration. If we look from where he took off to where he has come, we will recall the milestones he has reached, and every one of them is laudable.

“It is good that in the midst of greatness, in the midst of mighty men, he is a shining star. Let this just be the beginning of celebrations, because I believe you still have a lot to offer this nation; milestones to go in your community and personal life”, Senator Akume also said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Oyetola, while speaking at the event said: “Akutah is no doubt, one of the most highly competent experts Mr. President has appointed to execute the mandate of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.

“Though he has been in office for less than one year as the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, the council under his watch is making impressive and steady progress that is highly commendable”, the Minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Akinola said.

According to him, Akutah has become one of one of the best hands appointed by President Tinubu to steer the ship of the economy in line with the Federal Government’s vision of making the Marine and Blue Economy sector contribute more significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product GDP by diversifying the economy to enhance revenue generation.

“The Nigerian Shippers Council plays a major role in the Renewed Hope Agenda, being the Economic Regulator in the maritime sector, and has been mandated to ensure that the quality, quantity and cost of service in the entire sector is moderated and standardised in line with international best practice.

“Recall that last Friday, we witnessed the signing of the joint agreement on minimum conditions of service for labour in Nigeria’s shipping industry. Without his support, as well as that of other stakeholders, we would not have achieved such milestone.

“The agreement is a testament to what we have achieved through mutual respect and collaborative efforts, of which yours is one of the most highly noted. With trusted and dependable allies like your esteemed self, the journey towards building a more united maritime sector is better for all of us as stakeholders.

“I am confident that as the ES/CEO of NSC, not only will he continue to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors, he also has a great opportunity to cement the legacy of his achievements at the helm”, Oyetola also said.

Akutah in response to the kind words thanked President Tinubu, the SGF and the Minister for finding him worthy of appointment.

“Specifically, I want to thank Senator Akume his mentorship and role model, which shaped my life and gave me to the country to serve. I am also eternally grateful to the Minister, H.E. Gboyega Oyetola for helping me in my job. The Minister never knew me from anywhere. It took only five minutes of our being together, after I was endorsed by Senator George Akume, and he entrusted this responsibility into my hand”, he said emotionally.

Akutah however thanked commended the management and entire members of staff of the Council for being so tremendously ‘a courageous group of people’.

“It was just so easy for me to blend with them. Our journey has just started, and by the grace of God, Nigeria will not only hear about Shippers’ Council but will also hear about every one of you”, Akutah said.

In an earlier welcome address, chairman of the Central Organising Committee of Benue Professionals in Lagos, Dr. Ben Vangerwua, said the occasion was simply to celebrate NSC-boss for making Benue people proud.

He noted that Akutah’s appointment and his sterling performance was a testament to the values the people of Benue hold dear to themselves; which is integrity.