Oyetola @72: Oyintiloye Lauds Rare Achievements In Marine Sector

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for setting high standards in public service and recording significant achievements in the marine sector.

Oyintiloye stated this in a congratulatory message to mark Oyetola’s 72nd birthday, made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Monday.

He said Oyetola’s leadership style was anchored on humility, empathy and inclusiveness, as demonstrated by his proactive disposition, commitment, clear vision, innovation-driven management and coherent policy framework and implementation.

Oyintiloye, who served in the Oyetola administration as Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, described the minister as a visionary and respected leader who had lived a life of simplicity and selfless service to the people.

He said Oyetola, as a former governor of Osun, had advanced good governance through his commitment to human development and capacity building, including youth empowerment and various social intervention programmes designed to cater to the wellbeing of vulnerable groups.

“Proactively, he is driving home his vision of engendering a unique management approach in his ministry, with a focus on maximising the utilisation of Nigeria’s marine resources and developing economically conscious minds.

“He has displayed a high level of management skills through his novel approach and innovative drive in addressing port decay, especially in the areas of infrastructural renewal, rehabilitation and implementation of rail-to-port projects, as well as efforts to stem cargo delays.

“He has also adopted the public-private partnership concept in the management of the ministry, while working toward establishing a national carrier and eliminating unnecessary charges on petroleum products, including the 30 per cent freight charge on exports.”

Oyintiloye said Oyetola had also recorded significant revenue growth in the marine sector, generating approximately N1.83 trillion by the end of 2025 through digital processes, automated collections and accurate billing systems.

He said the minister had also contributed to improving maritime security by maintaining zero reported piracy incidents in Nigerian territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea, thereby helping to eliminate costly piracy surcharges.

According to him, Oyetola has promoted safer inland water transportation through the distribution of 35,000 life jackets to riverine states and advocacy for the use of modern fibre and aluminium boats as alternatives to wooden boats.

He added that the minister had initiated substantial port infrastructure upgrades and commissioned projects, including the Funtua Inland Dry Port, to ease congestion at the nation’s seaports.

“Oyetola is worthy of celebration more than ever before because he has shown uncommon leadership. Even the doubting Thomases would agree that Osun is in the safe hands of a progressive gentleman and committed leader whose sole interest is the upliftment of the people,” he said.

Oyintiloye congratulated Oyetola, his wife, Kafayat, members of his immediate family, professional and political associates on the occasion and wished him many more successful years ahead.