I DEDICATE THIS AWARD TO NIGERIA’s BLUE ECONOMY….Bashir Jamoh’s Acceptance Speech at the Zik Prize for Leadership. I am truly honored Honoured to be in the Class of Recipients of the Prestigious Zik Prize in Leadership for Public Policy
I grew up hearing and watching the great Zik of Africa on TV. Back in those days in school, we were taught about Zik as one of our founding fathers. I could never have imagined that I will be receiving this recognition in his name. To be in this class is very humbling. So, let me thank the organizers of this award; the trustees of the PPRAC, and those who nominated me for this honour.
Also, I want to especially appreciate Mr. President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari for giving me the opportunity by appointing me as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), to serve the public for without this I don’t think I would have been able to contribute , let alone be recognized for the Zik Leadership Prize in Public Policy. This was ably supported by no less a person than my Governor, His Excellency Nasir El-Rufai and our entire Kaduna constituency.
Reflecting on my journey into maritime, It will not be complete if I don’t appreciate the men who gave me the chance to come into the sector in the first place, my first boss Alhaji Munir Jafaru former Commissioner for Agriculture, and then DG of NMA and S B Yakub who succeeded him in Kaduna as commissioner.
I want to thank my Honourable Minister and Minister of State and the Perm-Sec for Transportation for their support which has enabled the key policies and implementation to impact the maritime sector. I also wish to acknowledge the board and executive management of NIMASA for the support they’ve given me these past 20 months since I assumed office ,to effectively implement our agenda for the good of Nigeria. Not forgetting the entire Team NIMASA for their roles.
No success story is ever complete without the Homefront and the foundation it provides – I want to single out My wife, Zulahi Bashir Jamoh for appreciation and recognition as the star of our family. She has continued to provide me with daily support and encouragement alongside all our children.
Finally, Permit me to dedicate this public policy award to the continued development of Nigeria Blue Economy; to the expansion of our maritime sector and all of our various industry stakeholders too numerous to mention. It is my prayer that as a nation, we shall begin to move FROM CRUDE to BLUE. From the overreliance on crude oil to the endless opportunities embedded in our oceans and seas. As I always say; “I want to see Nigeria Blue!”