The President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators of Nigeria (ATBOWATON)  and Managing Director of Gani-Tarzan Marine Enterprises Limited, Engineer Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun (Tarzan) has described the recent conferment of the Seriki Adeen on him by by the Da’iratu Maga’mi Ibrahi’m Movement Dawah of Nigeria (DAHMOD) of Ilese-Awo, Abeokuta, Ogun as vehicle to help unite people from different faith, tribe or colour.

The honour was conferred on Tarzan at a colourful ceremony witnessed my Muslim religious leaders, family and well-wishers. The foremost water transportation personality was turbaned amidst prayers,  Islamic songs and merry making.

Tarzan , speaking on the honour, said it was in recognition of his efforts to serve his God and serve humanity. “I feel great, I feel honoured, I feel that I am being recognized by my community in Abeokuta. My name is Abdulganiyu Shekoni Balogun. Abdulganiyu is a Muslim name. I am proud to be a member of that community, and I think my duty is to bring people together, Muslim, Christians or any other religion. Everybody should be united; we should be one, and should not be fighting ourselves. I am very happy to do that and I am ready to support them with whatever I have. You can only give what you have. You cannot give what you do not have.

”I try to support the community, you know I am also A Rotarian, so put water out my compound and help to solve the community’s water problem.   I also worship in the community mosque whenever I am in my house in Abeokuta. So, I appreciate the recognition”

Tarzan  has been one of the most consistent tourism industry practitioners in Nigeria for more than three decades, and has been an advocate and enforcer of safety measures in water transportation for more than three decades also.