By Babajide Okeowo
Heartwarming messages and well wishes have continued to pour in for Dakuku Adol Peterside, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), on the occasion of his 50th birthday on December 31, 2020.
Leading the deluge of congratulatory messages was President Muhammadu Buhari who hailed the former NIMASA’s helmsman for his nation-building abilities.
The president, in a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Wednesday, joined family and friends to celebrate ”the milestone, already lined with lofty achievements, particularly in nation-building.”
He rejoiced with the former federal lawmaker, who equally served Rivers as a public servant in many capacities, and had consistently taken up every responsibility with quintessential grace.
Buhari lauded Peterside for using his wealth of knowledge to reform public institutions for greater efficiency.
He noted Peterside’s interest in leadership and politics at an early age when he was still a student, and how through diligence and loyalty he has risen to recognition at both state and national levels.
He, therefore, urged him to follow his passion of serving the nation and inspiring the younger generation to take more interest in governance.
The president also extolled his commitment to learning and sharing knowledge as a consultant to many private and public institutions in the oil and gas industry.
Buhari prayed that the almighty God would grant Peterside good health, strength, and more wisdom to keep serving the country and humanity.
On his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Peterside as one who “leaves indelible marks wherever he goes’
Sanwo-Olu, in a letter titled: “Congratulatory Message for Dr. Dakuku Peterside”, which he personally signed, said the former NIMASA DG leaves a “progressively indelible mark” wherever he goes.
“You have unwaveringly shown your commitment to maritime security and I am positive that your footprints will never be erased at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, where, in addition to your numerous achievements, you vigorously advocated for the implementation of Nigeria’s Cabotage Act,” the governor’s message reads.
You leave a progressively indelible mark everywhere you go — your contributions at the House of Representatives will never be forgotten, as your time there was characterised by diligence, commitment to good governance as well as love and empathy for others” the governor said.
The Lagos governor further described him as “a wonderful friend, brother, brilliant administrator and an astute politician”, adding that he admires his dedication towards Nigeria’s development.
“In personal and professional settings, you are always ready to give your best as long as it is for the greater good. You are a wonderful friend and brother, a brilliant administrator, an astute politician, and a competent leadership expert.
I admire your dedication to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, your passion for service, and your desire to see others grow.
As you celebrate this milestone, I am hopeful that your life will remain impactful, inspirational, and dedicated to public service. lt is my prayer that you continue to enjoy good health and the Grace of God. May the next 50 years be more fulfilling and productive” Sanwo-Olu said.
Peterside, who was born on December 31, 1970, was elected as a member of the House of Representatives to represent Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency from 2011 to 2015.
He was also appointed in 2016 to head the maritime agency and ended his tenure on March 10, 2020.
