Following the nomination and investiture of the Assistant General Manager (AGM), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Sylvester Othuke Egede as the “Most Outstanding Port Manager 2024” there were encomiums and accolades from far and near.
Egede who was hitherto the Port Manager (PM), Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) is presently AGM, Managing Director’s Office, NPA Headquarters, Marina, Lagos.
He was given the award for the strides he made during his tenure as the PM, TCIP, especially in the clearing of the gridlock and debris that hindered access to Nigeria’s second busiest port which has drastically reduced cargo dwell time (CDT) for over a decade, a feat that was attested by port users.
The award was given by Maritime Media Limited producers of Shipping World magazine and organizers of the 27th edition of the Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA).
At the investiture ceremony at the 2025 edition of MIMA at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos recently, not a few stakeholders in the maritime industry and beyond were full of praise for Egede.
The accolades came from far and near including the management and staff of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics base (LADOL), GM Shipping, Marvelous Maritime Services Limited, Uyoyo Maritime Energy Limited, Ocean and Port Marine Logistics Limited, Tenzik Energy, Eko Support Services Limited, and Peak Shipping Agency Limited.
Among other things, they affirmed Egede’s relentless ability to search for solutions to problems and find innovative ways to improve the maritime sector of the economy. They also attested to his hard work and perseverance just as they stated that the award was not only inspirational but well deserve.
Multiple award journalist and Publisher of Maritime Bits, Rev. John Iwori who represented Egede and received the award on his behalf thanked the organizers for the award given to the erstwhile PM, TCIP.
He stated that Egede would have been at the venue to personally receive the award but for his official engagement outside the country.
Egede obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Jos in 1990. He did not stop there. In 1997, Egede also bagged a Master’s degree in Transport Planning at the Lagos State University (LASU).
His tireless efforts in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and stakeholders, led to the successful rehabilitation of the Mile2/Tin Can Port access road, ending years of traffic congestion and hardship for commuters and port users.
Apart from being a Fellow, Chartered Institute of logistics and Transport (CILT), he is also member, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Egede was not the only one that received award at the 2025 MIMA. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola was awarded the Marine and Blue Economy Pace-Setter Award; Maritime Man of the Year 2024 Award, Dr. Akutah Pius; and Dr. Adewale Adeyanju Award for Seafarer of the Year 2024, Comrade Francis Bunu.
Others were Maritime Woman of the Year 2024. Engr. Sarat Braimah; Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller (Anti-Drug), ACG Dera Nnadi; Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller (Revenue Generation), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu; Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller (Anti-Smuggling), Comptroller Mohammed Babandede; and the Most Outstanding Terminal Operator in 2024, West African Container Terminal (WACT).
Also, the Most Outstanding Shipping Company in 2024, Sifax; Dr. Pius Akutah Prize for Maritime Reporter of the Year, Mr. Tola Adenubi; Most Outstanding Tourism Journalist. Mr. Frank Meke; Innovative Leadership in Downstream Oil and Gas Sector. Victor Kalu; Most Outstanding Governor (Maritime Infrastructure Development), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Best Maritime Friendly Governor, Senator Douye Diri; and the Most Outstanding Government Agency (Indigenous Shipping Development), NCDMB.
Most Promising Maritime CEO 2024, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho; Most Innovative Entrepreneur, Chief Michael Onuoha; Most Outstanding Niger-Delta Personality 2024, Tompolo; and the Prince Olayiwola Shittu Prize for the Most Outstanding Customs Broker, Prince Olusegun Oduntan.
