Following the recent reshuffle by the management of Nigerian Ports Authority led by Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko, Mrs. Kenechi Edith Okezie has assumed duty as the new Port Manager of Rivers Port Complex last week, replacing the former Port Manager, Mr. Michael Adamu who has been redeployed to the organisation's headquarters for higher responsibilities.
According to him, the complex, which has 16 Crude Oil terminals and strategic concessions to PTOL and BUA, is also facing challenges such as non-operational berths and traffic pressure due to what he described as increased cargo throughput.
Adamu stated that his achievements include the approval of Ibeto Jetty for vessel direct call, tugboat commissioning, and debt recovery of over $10.3 million even as he emphasized on the robust community relationship existing between Rivers Port and the host community.
On infrastructure, he noted that "there is a lot of infrastructural improvements, and ongoing public-private partnership proposals" insisting that despite operational, technical and administrative challenges, the Port was poised for a vision for future developments, "including dredging, a ship Repair Yard, and Port Expansion."
He expressed gratitude to the Executive Management for their continued support to build a better Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and for a greater Nigeria.
In her address, the new Port Manager, Mrs Okezie extolled the managerial enterprise of her predecessor commending him for the numerous milestones achieved during his administration.
She solicited for the support of the members of management team, acknowledging that delivering on her mandate would be impossible without the support and cooperation of all and sundry noting "I need you all, more than you need me," she emphasized.
Expanding on her statement, the Port Manager noted that her leadership would prioritize four pivotal aspects: the holistic well-being of the staff, the enhancement of revenue generation and collection processes, a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional services, and the facilitation of seamless trade operations.
Born on October 31, 1975, in Awka-Etiti, Anambra State, Mrs. Kenechi Okezie, an accomplished professional, the Port Manager of Rivers Port Complex, Port Harcourt, Rivers state is the youngest and only female Port Manager in this current administration.
She holds a B.Sc in Marketing from the University of Port Harcourt (1997) and an MBA from the University of Lagos (2001), her 22-year career at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) showcases dedication and expertise.
Starting as a Senior Marketing Officer at Tin-can Island Port Lagos in 2001, she ascended through various roles, acquiring a Post Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in 2011.
Prior to her appointment, as Port Manager, she was the Personal Assistant to the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex and she had previously held several key positions in the organisation.
Noteworthy roles include Secretary of the Voyage Meeting Reconciliation Committee for over 5 years, Administrative Secretary of three Directorate Retreat Committees, and serving as a Rapporteur at the 2018 International African Ports & Harbours (IAPH) Conference in Abuja.
Mrs Okezie's commitment is evident in her diverse contributions, including serving on committees, acting as Rapporteur at the 2018 IAPH Conference, and representing NPA at AFCFTA. As a member of professional bodies such as CILT and NIM, she continues to influence the maritime sector positively.
Beyond her career, Mrs. Kenechi Okezie is a devoted wife and a proud mother of two daughters.
Her journey in the Port establishment epitomizes resilience, breaking barriers, and passion for making a lasting impact in the maritime industry.
*Bon Peters, Port Harcourt, Rivers State/Editor
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