Adeniyi, Shittu, Adeyanju, Maritime Journalists Felicitate Asu Beks at 70

*As maritime journalists organise party for godfather in Lagos

By Francis Ugwoke

Goodwill messages and prayers have continued to pour in celebration of the Doyen of Maritime Journalism, Elder Asu Beks, who turns 70 years today.

So far, maritime industry stakeholders and journalists have in different messages wished Asu Beks who is also the Publisher of Shipping World well as he celebrates his 70 years birthday beginning from today.

Among the industry personalities that have so far sent in messages include the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, former President of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents ( ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, National President of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) who is also the Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Dr. Adewale Adeyanju.


In his congratulatory message to Asu, the Customs boss, Adeniyi, while wishing him well recalled his invaluable contributions to the field of journalism and beyond.

Part of the message reads, “as we felicitate with you on this milestone, we note with admiration that you have traversed a remarkable journey filled with academic achievements, professional milestones and unwavering dedication to your craft.

“Throughout your career, you have continued to demonstrate journalistic prowess, eventually joining The Guardian Newspaper as Bureau Chief in Port Harcourt. Your impactful reporting earned you the prestigious “Best Reporter Award” in December 1989, recognizing your role in uncovering an attempt to dump toxic beef at the Tin Can Island Port by an Italian vessel.
“As we celebrate this landmark, it is with all humility that I admit your immense contributions to my success story during my tenure as the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Your role in using the might of your pen to contribute to the development of NCS and the nation at large is unquantifiable”.

In his message, the President of MWUN, Adeyanju, said, “I bring you fraternal greetings as you clock the age of 70.
“Sir, you have been a very wonderful person as an individual and a great asset to the Maritime Workers Union and other sister Stakeholders.

“Your professionalism in imparting the Industry stands you out among others, hence you can be ascribed as a Maritime Heritage.
I am proud of you, Comrade Elder Asu Beks; we as a Union profoundly celebrate you once again, given your tenacity, boldness with your publication, Shipping World Magazine, which has become a trailblazer in the Industry .

“May your tireless and selfless efforts in the sector continue to wax stronger and as you celebrate today, the Almighty God will continue to grant stronger as you celebrate today, the Almighty God will continue you good health and sound mind enmeshed in longevity. Congratulations our own very Dear Asu Beks”.

Prince Olayiwola Shittu in his message wrote,
“For people like us that have had the privilege and the mercies of God’s to clink glasses with friends, family members, well wishers and associates who gather to celebrate us at 70, today is a great reminder of God’s faithfulness.

“Perhaps l should say that for Asu Beks, the celebration has been on since November 2023, albeit informal. Today however, l like to join the multitude of others to celebrate this indefatigable doyen of maritime media and one-man squad industry advocate for good governance.

“I understand that Asu Beks means many things to different people; for some of us, he remains a jolly good fellow. His uncommon facility to fight and then makes up easily with the one he had fought with the next day after had always fascinated me, because it speaks about a childlike nature that l think is missing in many of us.
“His unassuming characteristics is one l think is not easily faked, so l believe he possesses that rare quality of childlikeness clothed in the purity of unsoiled innocence .
“Of the two prefixes to his name, l have been used to the Godfather, corrupted as ‘god fada’ for a long time already; while l am still struggling to situate his other title of ‘elder’; because l think that former clearly overshadows the later .
“His claim to being the maritime media god fada is almost authoritative, since his colleagues have concurred; and that settles the matter. And without controversy, as for the revered title of an Elder, l guess that having clocked 60 years back, it is of no avail to begrudge him that too, having merited it by grace and entitlement; he has joined the elders club.

“I have known Elder Asu Beks for close to three decades, as a diligent, hard working media professional and likeable personality. But of course, he has also courted trouble as those opposed to his unique life style and perceived foibles. But perhaps, Asu Beks was born a survivalist.

“For the open minded, it’s difficult to want to shut him out for reasons of his occupational quarrels and fights; and indeed his other associated fights, as it were. Today, at 70, l believe he has paid his dues in helping to reshape this industry through his immense contributions vide constructive and developmental journalism.

“ l wish to join many others celebrating this great guy today, the best of luck as he journeys on to 80 and beyond; and to doff my hat for him for every act of good we as individuals can identify him with. I desire to see more of these in the coming years as l wish him a fabulous, safe and secured future.
Here’s wishing you a happy birthday, congratulations”.
Maritime journalists have also congratulated Asu Beks as he turns 70 today.

In a statement, Mr. Innocent Orok, a spokesman for the Nigerian Maritime Media, said maritime media stakeholders will be celebrating the “Septuagenarian, Elder Asu Beks. A Doyen and Pacesetter in Nigerian maritime journalism”.


The statement reads, “At 70 , Asu Beks has enlisted himself into the categories of Chief OLUSEGUN Osoba and the likes who laid the foundation for developmental journalism in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian maritime media and stakeholder friends of Elder Asu Beks are celebrating with this Dogged, Hardworking, Fearless and a Jolly Good Fellow whose treats of Activism runs in his veins .

“Come on,! lets bury our differences and thank God we are alive today to witness an Icon in the Nigerian Maritime Media clocked this age in Good shape, Health and Sound mind.

“Conviviality, Dining and Winning is the best way to celebrate this media Role Model in his own right.

HBD to you the Godfather, wishing you many more happy years ahead with God’s Grace and Protection.

“Pls join the Hangout with Elder Asu Beks today @ Lifestyle Lodge , I Close, First Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos State
Time : 3pm”

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