By Jennifer Umeadi (Abuja)
Mr. Ferdinand Agu, the former Director General of the defunct National Maritime Authority (NMA), now known as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has passed away.
Sources have confirmed to GMTNewsng that Agu, who attended a traditional wedding in Abuja yesterday, passed away this morning due to a heart attack. According to witnesses, he was present at the event until around 9 pm last night.
A source who spoke to GMTNewsng confirmed the unfortunate news, saying, “It is true. This is devastating news. I spoke with him yesterday. He was hale and hearty. We exchanged our usual jokes. Now, this! I am just back from the hospital. His remains have been taken to the mortuary. This life is meaningless.”
Ferdinand Agu, a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR), had a background in Architecture and had gained enviable boardroom experience in the private sector, acting as a consultant to numerous multinational corporations.
He was recognized for his expertise when he was appointed Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, a position he held from 2011 to 2015.
Agu’s contributions earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including the Award of Excellence by The Conference of Commissioners for Commerce and Industry in Nigeria, a distinguished National Merit Award in Transportation by The Centre For Transport Studies at Bisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria, and the Most Outstanding Maritime Personality Of The Year (2004) by the Maritime Media Ltd during the 7th Maritime Media Award.
He dedicated his life to service and the common good. After his role as Special Assistant to the President in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, he assumed a leadership position at the Federal University of Health Sciences.
Throughout his career, Agu encouraged Nigerian youths to learn from their elders and to find joy in serving others. In one of his memorable quotes, he remarked, “There are times when young people must break from the crowd and find themselves, and if they do it in an earnest spirit of seeking meaning, then they will become those leaders that we are looking for tomorrow.”
This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they become available. GMTNewsng
