A former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has expressed condolence on the passage of his ally and friend, Engr Rotimi Fashakin, an ex-Executive Director, Operations of NIMASA.

Fashakin, who served as NIMASA director from 2016 to 2020, died in London, the United Kingdom on Saturday.

Peterside, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media office, described the deceased as “a great leader who had personal connection and affection with all whom he came in contact with.”

He noted that Nigeria has lost a great son, whose leadership skills were needed at a time of uncertainty and storm the nation is currently experiencing.

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The former NIMASA DG said: “Engr Fashakin may hold strong views on issues yet was a people’s person, who connected well with others no matter your opinion.

“He was always devoted to whatever assignment he commits himself to, always hands-on and delivered on all assignments.

“When we embarked on the great turnaround of NIMASA, he brought his traits of thinking outside the box, great communication skills, varied experiences, tenacity of purpose, technology background, and a problem-solving mindset to bear. In Executive sessions, he made our long sessions lively with his sense of humor.”

Peterside further stressed that Fashakin was a loyal team player, who served in the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and played key roles in the formative stage of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that he brought the same loyal disposition to NIMASA.

He, however, sympathised with his family, the government, and the people of Ondo State over the loss and prayed for the repose of the deceased soul.

The Star