Late Otunba Kunle Folarin

Maritime stakeholders under the aegis of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council NPCC, the media and other players in the industry are currently galvanising different groups towards organising a befitting burial for late Otunba Kunle Folarin.

Recall that Otunba Kunle Folarin, who died on November 8 2022, few weeks to his 82nd birthday was the chairman of the PCC. He also doubles as chairman of the National Seafarers Welfare Board NSWB.

Already, the PCC has brought virtually all segments of the Nigerian maritime industry together through a planning committee for the burial of the late maritime icon, who has variously been described as Maritime Encyclopedia, given his vast knowledge of the industry.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos, acting chairman of PCC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola disclosed details of the burial which is expected to commence from January 19, with a Colloquium in his honour.

He confirmed that a planning Committee has been meeting and deliberating on the line up of activities that would lead to the funeral of the late Maritime Icon.

The funeral, according to the committee will start with a Colloquium, which is being put together by the maritime media in honour of the deceased. It is billed to hold at Rockview Hotel in Apapa on Thursday January 19, 2023.

Mr. Sunmola also told the media that the Planning Committee is putting finishing touches to an industry Night of Tributes on the 25th of January. It is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to also pay their last respect to late Otunba Folarin, who served the industry for more than 50 years, the last years as the chairman of PCC.

“stakeholders are expected to be a part of the Night of Tributes in any way that they can. We are open to suggestions and support”, the chairman said.

He confirmed that the Night of Tributes which will also be attended by family members of the deceased is billed to hold at the prestigious Harbour Point on Victoria Island in Lagos.

According to him, the Night of Tributes will be followed by a Service of Songs on the 26th of January.

Mr. Sunmola confirmed that the remains of late Otunba Folarin would be committed to mother earth on Friday January 27th 2023.

He equally appealed that the various aspects of the funeral, beginning with the Colloquium by the maritime media are all for maritime industry stakeholders to show their last respect for the deceased.