Copyright tribuneonlineng
As part of its 30 years celebration coming up this week, PortNews is set to recognize the Nigerian Ports Authority( NPA) and the Flour Mills of Nigeria( FMN) amongst others, as port legends for their nation building efforts in the Nigerian port industry. In a statement released to mark the 30 years celebration of PortNews, the tabloid stated that NPA’s endeavours in shipping and property investments in Nigeria and overseas predate Nigeria’s independence in 1960. “In fact, Nigeria was weaned and nurtured to nationhood on the wealth creamed from wharf trading activities in the Niger Delta, Calabar and Lagos seaside by colonial companies like Royal Niger Companies, Elder Dempster ,Portuguese traders and indigenous traders, farmers and fishermen. “This has evolved over time into what is now known as the respected Nigerian Ports Authority. To date, NPA is not only one of the most reliable top revenue-generating organizations for the Nigerian government but a large employer of labour. For this historic feat, NPA will be honoured with the Port Legend Award. “On its part, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has performed brilliantly to ensure that Nigeria’s airspace is very safe and there have been no planes falling from the skies anymore in recent years. Awards will be given for these laudable efforts. “Flour Mills of Nigeria holds an ubiquitous presence in Nigeria and West Africa. The company has also played pioneering and foremost roles in shipping development in Nigeria, thus giving skills and jobs to generations of Nigerians over time. Flour Mills of Nigeria deserves Nigeria’s gratitude. They will be honoured with the Port Legend Award. “Other notable Nigerians, including Captain Emmanuel lhenacho, Otunba Oyewole Fashawe, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Olori Vicky Haastrup, Prince Shittu Olayiwola, Dennis Okafor, and Dr Boniface Aniebonam will be honoured for their incomparable contributions to the growth of the industry over decades. Interestingly, the highlight of the anniversary ceremony is the presentation of anniversary lectures which is titled : Nigeria’s Shipping Carriage Gaps, CVFF and the fading Manpower by Captain Ladi Olubowale, President of African Ship Owners Association (ASA).
