It is still difficult to come to terms with the fact that it has been two years since the passing of an icon, a trailblazer, and a true patriot — Barrister (Mrs) Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi. Her death on April 28, 2023, in Lagos after a brief illness sent shockwaves through the maritime industry and beyond. She was only 68, yet her life’s work reflected the achievements of many lifetimes.
Barrister Onyema-Orakwusi was a woman of rare substance — a beacon of leadership, vision, and resilience. As former Chairman of the Nigerian Fishing Trawlers Owners Association (NIFTOA) and Chairman of the Shipowners Forum, she devoted herself passionately to the cause of uniting indigenous shipowners under a common voice.
Her leadership of the Shipowners Forum was not just about holding a position; it was about building bridges where there were divisions, forging unity where there was fragmentation, and inspiring collective purpose in an industry that often struggled with competing interests.
I had the profound privilege of working closely with Barrister Onyema-Orakwusi from 2011 to 2014 on the Board of the Nigerian Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX). As Executive Secretary of NIMAREX during that period, I witnessed daily the depth of her commitment and the breadth of her vision. She served as Vice Chairman of the Board from 2011 to 2012 and subsequently as Chairman from 2012 to 2014, leading with an unmatched blend of strength, grace, intelligence, and humility.
Barrister Onyema-Orakwusi possessed the rare ability to dream boldly and to execute those dreams with precision and determination. Her work ethic was simply extraordinary. She believed that leadership was not about occupying a seat but about bearing a responsibility — a responsibility to serve, to uplift, and to leave a lasting impact. Whether chairing board meetings, spearheading major initiatives, mentoring younger professionals, or advocating tirelessly for maritime development, she approached every task with meticulous attention, passionate drive, and unwavering integrity.
Even in her final days, she remained committed to progress, working tirelessly to establish a major jetty in Lagos that would have added significant value to the maritime landscape of Nigeria. Her untimely departure left a gap that is deeply felt, for she was not merely a participant in the industry — she was one of its foremost architects and champions.
In addition to her formal leadership roles, Barrister Onyema-Orakwusi was a staunch supporter of initiatives that fostered unity and camaraderie within the maritime sector. She was an ardent supporter of our company, Ships & Ports, and consistently attended and supported every edition of the Ships & Ports Annual Maritime Football Competition. This competition has remained the only major competitive sporting event within the Nigerian maritime industry, serving as a rallying point for all stakeholders. Her regular presence at these events underscored her unwavering commitment to building a cohesive, vibrant maritime community, where relationships extended beyond boardrooms and strengthened through fellowship and teamwork.
Beyond her remarkable professional accomplishments, Barrister Onyema-Orakwusi was a deeply humane and compassionate individual. She was a mentor, a counselor, and a beacon of encouragement to countless individuals within and outside the maritime sector. Her humility belied her towering achievements; her kindness made her accessible to all; and her unshakable principles earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her.
Today, as we honor her memory, we celebrate not just what she accomplished, but who she was: a woman of integrity, vision, perseverance, and heart, and a woman who embodied selfless leadership, who gave so much of herself to the service of others, and whose legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
As we reflect on her remarkable life, we pray that God Almighty grants Barrister Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi eternal rest in His bosom. We pray for strength, comfort, and peace for the family she has left behind — may they find solace in the knowledge that her life was impactful, purposeful, and noble. May they be sustained by the rich legacy of love, service, and excellence that she left behind.
Rest well, dear Barrister Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi. You ran your race with dignity. You fought the good fight with courage. You have left footprints of greatness in the sands of time. You will never be forgotten.
