Vicky Haastrup, Prince Olayiwola Shittu Mourn Late PCC Chairman, Otunba Folarin
Otunba Kunle Folarin, Chairman of NPCC
The Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup and the former President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Prince Olayiwola Shittu has commiserated with the family of late Otunba Kunle Folarin who died in Lagos on Tuesday at the age of 82.
Until his death, Otunba Folarin was the Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) and Chairman of the National Seafarers Welfare Board (NSWB).
In a statement released by STOAN on Thursday, Princess Haastrup 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.
“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 National Seafarers Welfare Board (NSWB) and also as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC). The role he played in the maritime industry will remain indelible for many generations to come,” she said, even as she prayed that God Almighty grants his soul eternal rest.
On his part, Prince Olayiwola Shittu said that words alone cannot describe the indelible contributions and impact that Otunba Folarin has made in the Nigerian maritime sector.
In a statement on Thursday, Shittu said “I lack words to describe the shock I felt on hearing about the demise of my Egbon, Otunba Kunle Folarin who fondly calls me Aburo.
“He was an enigmatic maritime guru, versatile and knowledgeable in all aspects of marine operations. Give him a microphone and he’ll martial out the essentials of the discussions.
“Many of us had been tutored by his cerebral impact on the up and coming practitioners. He doesn’t shy away from any arguments in other to advance the course of knowledge.
“He shall be missed sorely and I pray for the good Lord to grant him eternal peace and his family and colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”
OTUNBA KUNLE FOLARIN;
A MARITIME ICONIC REPOSITORY OF INESTIMABLE VALUE.
” A MAN WHO WILL MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU AT FIRST CONTACT”
For those of us who at various times in our leadership of our various MARITIME ASSOCIATIONS served under his Chairmanship of several Committees ,he impacted positively to our collective admiration.
He was an uncommon ,humble and classless leader of leaders.
His imprint on our Maritime domain
is immesurable and will be sorely missed.
It was indeed a privilege to have served some years back under his Chairmanship of STANDARD TRADING CONDITION COMMITTEE OF
FFCF –CRFFN.
While the Family and Maritime Industry grieves over this monumental loss,i fervently pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal repose IJN.🙏
COMRADE BEN UCHE NDEE RFF
FMR.MMBR.FFCF-CRFFN
EMERITUS PG /BOT ASIMPIN &
EX-PRSD
NCMDLCA .