By Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The final rites of passage for the late charismatic former DG of the defunct National Maritime Authority (now Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA), began yesterday (Wednesday, July 24) with a night of tributes in Abuja, with many political bigwigs, captains of industry and eminent Nigerians from all works of life in attendance.
They all paid glowing tributes to the late NIMASA DG who was described by practically everyone who was at the event or had met the late Agu in life, as a brilliant and dedicated public servant who cared so much about Nigeria.
Agu, the director general of the defunct National Maritime Authority (NMA) now NIMASA between 2000 and 2005 died on June 7, 2024 at the age of 64 years.
Dignitaries such as former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, Vice President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Simon Nsobundu Okeke, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi were in attendance at the event.
Other dignitaries at the “Night of Tributes” in honour of Agu were former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pallen Fallen; former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka; former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke jr, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, among others.
Speaking at the event, Anyim, who also doubled as the Chairman of the planning committee for Agu’s burial, said he had known the late Ferdinand for over 20 years, noting: “Your presence here certainly shows your commitment and loyalty to friendship, which was the hallmark of Ferdinand’s life.”
“I have known him for over 20 years, he was deep and thoughtful and yet humble. He was brilliant and ebullient and yet honest and straight. He was loyal and committed to every relationship he found himself in and yet a man of his own convictions. That was the Ferdinand I knew for over 20 years,” Anyim eulogised the late architect with a gift of the garb.
In his own remarks, Nnamani described Agu as an encyclopedia judging from the accounts of his contemporaries, noting that for people like him who had known the late Agu from a distance, the calibre of people that had spoken at the event had confirmed their respect for the late NIMASA DG, adding: “Ferdinand, we may not be contemporaries, but as a respectful individual who carried himself with charisma, you cannot ignore him. It doesn’t matter how old you are.
“Personality is something that is naturally endowed. He was endowed. It is difficult to talk about him in the past, but the truth is that he is gone. To the family, if you turn around and see the galaxy of individuals here, it will give you a bit of solace. If you also take a closer look at the qualities of individuals who have attended this occasion, it confirms what some of us know about Ferdinand.
“Because if your contemporaries are honest enough to say the truth about you, and if you are a liar, it is your contemporaries that will expose you quickly because they know you more than others.”
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker lamented that Agu’s sudden departure had left a void that words could scarcely describe, adding that his legacy, rich with generosity, compassion, and dedication, remained ever-present in the minds of people.
Kalu added that Agu was more than a public servant, but a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for many, noting that as the former DG of NIMASA and Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, he served Nigeria with distinction and honour.
“Ferdinand was a gentleman of profound kindness and humility. His life was a testament to the power of compassion and the impact one individual can have on countless lives. He reached out to those in need, offering not just material support, but a listening ear, a kind word, and a spirit of encouragement. His philanthropy was not about grand gestures but about the quiet, consistent acts of generosity that changed lives and built communities,” Kalu said.
Joining the litany of dignitaries that paid tribute, the vice PG of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Simon Okeke described Agu as a lover of humanity and youths, stating that if it was possible to see God, he would have asked Him; “why do you always take the good ones and leave the bad ones?”
A Director and spokesperson of the Department of State Services (DSS), Peter Afunnaya, described Agu as a tiger without harmful claws and an all-round intellectual giant, adding that Agu was “an academic giant, a humble, very analytical mind and an almost a perfect gentleman when it comes to the issue of academics.”
In her tributes, Tallen said she had known Agu for over 25 years, describing him as “reliable, dependable, committed and a good man.”
“It is so painful for me to stand here and talk about Ferdinand in the past. Apart from his intellectual capacity, he was simply phenomenal. Nigeria has lost one of its best. He lived an impactful life.”