MARITIME LIFE: I Relax With Local Music - Engr. Yousou

Segun Oladipupo

Engineer Bob Joseph Yousou is the President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA).

He became the President of the Union few months ago and on assumption, he promised to transform the organisation into an enviable one.

Within weeks of becoming President, he refurbished the secretariat of the Union while promising that he would unionize more companies.

Yousou is a gentleman to the core. His softness reflects in his voice while speaking.

A staunch believer in God, and astute Christian who waited on the Lord for a child without compromise, Yousou in this chat with maritime lifestyle, reveals some of the things you hitherto did not know about him.

It makes a good read, enjoy the piece.

What’s your favourite food?

My favourite food is plantain & pepper soup. Unripe plantain and pepper soup is one of the main diets for Izon people.

What’s your favourite colour?

My favourite colour is white. I love white colour because it symbolizes purity of heart.

How do you relax?

I relax by having quiet time with God or sitting down to enjoy my local music.

What do you like doing most?

I love to assist the needy, I also like meeting friends and family members.

Where are you from?

I am from Nembe kingdom in Balyesa State.

The schools i attended are:

State Primary School, Bassambiri, Nembe, Balyesa State between 1974 – 1982; Army children school, Ojo – Lagos; Government College, Ojo Lagos; Urban Day Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State; Nembe National Grammar School, Bayelsa.

I had my BSc in Sociology from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State in 2011.

I had both local and International professional maritime certificates in Nigeria, Ghana and India.

I am a seasoned Seafarer and a Chief Engineer COC.

What’s your experience so far as the President of senior officers?

I have served in various capacities as union leader before being a seafarer.

I understand their language and needs hence, no cause for alarm. Also with my formidable team of experienced national executives and my dependable Secretary General, I am good to go.

How do you combine sea going with family?

Nothing good comes easy. Having been sailing for more than 30 years, my family is used to the nature of my job. But I must confess it’s sometimes challenging especially when there is need for your attention in urgent family matters.

What are your memorable events?

The most memorable day of my life was when I had my first son having waited on the Lord for 15 years. Also, the day I had my First Class license in Marine Engineering.