President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State of increased Federal Government support.
This is said to ensure that the institution becomes the maritime institution of first choice for all those who seek to make a career in the maritime industry and also to contribute towards the creation of employment and wealth in the highly competitive global maritime economy.
Tinubu represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the assurance on Saturday, in his message to the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony held at its campus in Okerenkoko.
The convocation ceremony also featured the installation of the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom of Bayelsa State, His Eminence King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II, as Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, and the conferment of an Honourary doctoral degree (Honouris Causa) of Philosophy of Education on ex-militant leader, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo and His Eminence King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II, “in appreciation of their contributions to the growth and development of the university”.
The monarch of the Brass Kingdom was conferred with an Honourary doctoral degree of letters (Honouris Causa).
Tinubu in his address noted with delight that “since the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University, (NMU), Okerenkoko, peace has returned to the entire Niger Delta region, which in the past has been a hot spot of crisis and militancy”.
He spoke further, “From what I am seeing here today, I have no doubt, whatsoever in my mind that, in no distant time, this university would record great achievements in the area of building our capacity in maritime technology and business, in line with best global practice that will place our nation on the list of the great maritime economies of the world.
“I am not unaware of the challenges and constraints that this university is currently contending with. Such challenges and constraints are not unusual during the early phases of the life of any institution. But I can assure you that this government will continue to do our best to ensure your needs. In terms of infrastructure and human capacity, are addressed within the limits of available resources”.
The President congratulated the new graduates for the feat they have achieved academically just as he urged them to put their knowledge to bear.
Also speaking at the event shortly after being installed as Chancellor, Diette-Spiff, who was flanked by the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro Gbaraun II, and the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Monday Whiskey, Udurhe I thanked God for the opportunity to be installed as Chancellor of the institution.
He said, “Let me start by saying to God be the glory. When my citation was being read, I was a little wondered whether it was me they were referring to. We thank God for His mercies.”
The monarch said that being the Chancellor, he would ensure that the University is transformed to be number one in the world.
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