Former NPA General Manager, Captain Ebubeogu Iheanacho, has described Chief Sylvester Othuke Egede book titled “Lion of the Port Corridor: Strategy Is Everything,as both a personal memoir and a leadership carrier, noting that the book captures decades of institutional memory, sacrifice and strategic evolution within Nigeria’s port system.
He made the remarks while reviewing the book at its official launch, commending the author for documenting a career shaped by resilience, adaptability and service.
Capt Iheanach highlighted the rigour involved in writing the book, noting that beyond the author’s personal commitment, the process demanded sacrifices from family members and extensive engagement with publishers. He described the work as a product of years of reflection, memory recall and professional discipline, shaped by experiences across different phases of Nigeria’s maritime and economic history.
According to him, the author’s career is unique in that it spanned several critical transitions at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), including the service port era, the port reform downsizing that reduced the workforce from 16,000 to 4,000, and the concession regime that redefined NPA’s role as landlord. He noted that the author not only survived these changes but emerged as a change agent, contributing to major milestones such as the implementation of the ISPS Code, ICT-driven port operations, the Single Window initiative, COVID-19 response operations, and the emergence of Nigeria’s first deep seaport.
He paid particular attention to the chapter that earned the author the title Lion of the Port Corridor, recounting how, as Port Manager of Tincan Island Port, he confronted the Apapa–Tincan gridlock through diplomacy, stakeholder engagement and strategic restructuring rather than force. He said the rapid restoration of order along the corridor demonstrated the power of insight, collaboration and disciplined execution, qualities that defined the author’s leadership style.
Reviewing the book’s broader themes, the former minister said The Lion of the Port Corridor traces a journey from humble beginnings to national relevance, anchored on discipline, strategy, mentorship and service. He noted that the final chapters celebrate the author’s role as a mentor and reformer, whose legacy is reflected in testimonials, professional milestones and institutional impact. Iheanacho concluded that the book serves not only as a memoir but also as a practical guide for leaders seeking to drive sustainable change through character, clarity of purpose and strategic thinking.
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