Godwin Oritse
02 September 2012, Sweetcrude, Oporoza, Delta – FOLLOWING the death of the Managing Director of Global West Specialist Vessels, Captain Romeo Itima, the firm’s management headed by Chief Government Ekpemuplo, aka Tompolo has appointed the late Captain’s elder brother, Captain Winfred Itima as the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation.
The newly appointed Chairman of Global West Specialist vessels Senator Emmanuel Diffa who made the disclosure, said the painful exit will not change the solid structure of the company midwifed by the Captain Romeo, adding that his elder brother will now oversee the operations of the firm.
It will be recalled that Itima and his crew were attacked by suspected pirates about three weeks ago when the firm’s newly acquired boats went out on a routine patrol and for a test run of the boats.
Diffa who spoke at the funeral ceremony of the late Captain in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Delta, explained that Itima came into the company with very high standard adding that he was also able to carry his staff along, because he did not hide his knowledge from any one that was ready to learn.
“The operations of the company will speak for itself because I do not expect any less from a firm that was set-up with the highest standard but one thing I can say is that Romeo is irreplaceable.”
“Itima was very passionate about his job and his contribution has reduced the rate of oil theft and pirate activities on our waters,” Senator Diffa stated.
The firm’s chairman also stated that the ideals and visions of late Captain Itima will upheld by the company and passed.
Also speaking, the new Managing Director Mr. Winfred Itima, who incidentally is also a sailor said that he will continue from where his brother stopped, promising to maintain the high standard of operation the late Captain left.
Effort to speak with Tompolo was futile as he was yet to arrive the venue of the burial ceremony of late Itima.
Leading a high powered delegation from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Executive Director in charge of Cabotage and Maritime Labour Services, Obi Nwabueze said that the agency is yet to get over the demise of Captain Itima adding that NIMASA will not relent in joint war against oil theft and pirate activities in Nigeria’s coastal waters.
An undisclosed amount of money and a condolence letter signed by the Director General of the agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi was presented to the widow of the late Chief Executive of Global West Vessels Limited by Barr. Nwabueze.
