Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has been hailed for his indelible legacy of public service to the nation.
This was the general refrain of high profile speakers at the twin-event of a public lecture to commemorate Dr. Peterside’s 50th birthday and the public presentation of his book titled Strategic Turnaround on Thursday in Abuja.
Opening the floor, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Gida Mustapha, who was chairman at the occasion, congratulated Dr. Peterside for sharing his public service insights and experiences for the benefit of other officers and the nation in general.
He said the public lecture is a welcome development as it provides opportunity for Nigerians to interrogate the nation’s challenges and profer solutions accordingly.
In his remarks, the Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, who was special guest of honour, described Dr. Peterside as a visionary young leader who has excelled in the management of human, material and financial resources.
He said the former DG of NIMASA is a seasoned and competent professional with the resilience to perform under difficult circumstances, as attested to by his spectacular performance in office.
Earlier in his introductory speech, the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Festus Keyamo described Dr. Dakuku Peterside as his age mate just like the guest speaker and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.
He said Nigerian youth are very proud of him and pleased with the laudable accomplishments the former boss of NIMASA has recorded in public office, adding that he should not hesitate to replicate the feat when he is called upon for higher service.
The event was graced by many distinguished personalities including the Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, representatives of the Governors of Kaduna and Sokoto states, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora.
Others were the wife of the Nigerian President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari who was represented by Dr. Hajo Sani, the wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Peterside, and many heads of Government agencies, departments and parastatals, the Publisher/CEO of NatureNews Online newspaper, Mr. Aliu Akoshile, the Executive Vice-Chairman of Verdant Zeal, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi,
Youth Activists, Malam Hamza Lawal and Ms Toyosi.
Over 7000 Nigerians also witnessed the event which was streamed live on social media platforms.
