Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman has opened up, saying she has garnered much knowledge of the maritime industry within the few months she has steered the affairs of the Authority.
She also, gave kudos the Nigerian maritime media for driving a strong partnership with the NPA Management.
Elated Usman, who spoke while receiving a platinum award ‘as the trail blazer of the Maritime Industry,’ bestowed on her by Portgist on TV in her office in Lagos Thursday, said she believed in working hard first while awards should come after service.
Explaining that she operates open door policy at all times, she added “collectively we are stronger, this industry is ours and Nigeria is our country therefore the success of the industry is for the betterment of all of us”.
Usman admonished Maritime Journalists to embrace an investigative approach in their profession stating that misinformation would not pay premium to the sector. Thus, she called on the Journalists to collaborate the NPA Management in a holistic effort to ensure the sector is positioned as a major player in the sub-region and beyond.
In his contribution, Otunba Kunle Folarin,Chairman Port Consultative Council (PCC) eulogized the MD referring her as one who has developed into a professional of repute deserving of accolades. The PCC Chairman urged the MD to continue her sacrifice and due-diligence as stakeholders are only but appreciative of her efforts.
The Executive Director, Marine and Operations at NPA, Dr. Sekonte Davies said that it is gratifying sharing in the glory of the Managing Director assuring that she has indeed brought enduring changes to the Port Industry.
In his defence for the award, the Executive Producer/Editor-in-Chief of Portgist on TV, Dr. Kayode Farinto averred that Usman is a trail blazer who deserves to be celebrated especially when her rich pedigree is put into consideration, affirming the saying “whatever a man can do, a woman can do better”.
Farinto added that what the MD achieved would better be appreciated considering the geographical zone she came from concluding that it was high time we respected and celebrated our women.
At the ceremony were a cross section of NPA’s General Managers, other officials from Portgist and the Media.
