On Wednesday night, prominent Nigerians gathered to pay last respects to former Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA), Sir Ferdinand Nwabueze Agu.
The former Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan died on June 7, 2024 at 64.
The roll call of dignitaries at the Night of Tributes for the Director General of the defunct National Maritime Authority (NMA) include former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Simon Okeke Ochindo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Other dignitaries at the night 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.
Opening the floodgates of encomiums on Agu, the Chairman of planning committee for the event and former Senate President Anyim who said his association with the deceased spanned over two decades noted that the array of Nigerians at the ceremony typified the lifestyle of Agu, whom he said meant different things to many people.
Eulogising Agu, the former Senate President said: “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 finds himself and yet a man of his own convictions. That was the Ferdinand I knew for over 20 years.”
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Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said Agu’s sudden departure has left a void that words could scarcely describe, but his legacy, rich with generosity, compassion, and dedication, remained ever-present in the minds of people.
He further said that Agu was more than a public servant who served the country with distinction and honour, adding that he was a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for many.
“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.
Former Senate President Ken Nnamani noted that the accounts of Agu’s contemporaries showed that he was an encyclopedia.
Nnamani stated: “Ferdinand, we may not be contemporaries, but as a respectful individual, carries himself with his charisma, you cannot ignore him, he 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.
“The family, if you turn around and see the galaxy of individuals here, it will give you a little bit of solace. If you also take a closer look at the qualities of individuals who have attended this occasion, it goes to confirm 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.”
For Tallen who knew Agu for over 25 years ago, the former presidential aide was “a 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.
Recalling the solid foundation Agu laid during the formative days of NIMASA, the current Director General of the agency, Dayo Mobereola said Agu brought in a breath of fresh air to the agency in 2000 when he was appointed as the Chief Executive.
“He was appointed as an undertaker, however, Arc. Ferdinand Agu with his true passion, his personal conviction and professionalism turnaround, transformed NIMASA. He was a paradox, an enigma. There was no financial scandal during his time.”
Different groups and tribal and religious associations, alumni and highly placed dignitaries took time to pay tributes to a man many referred as a tiger without harmful claws.