L-R:(1st) Mr. Ejiro Denis Onakughotor,the Founder and President of Global Maritime Academy flanked by other personalities at the occasion on Monday
By Samuel Ogude
The Founder and President of Global Maritime Academy, Agbowhiame, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Ejiro Denis Onakughotor, has said the institution was established to promote Nigeria’s maritime sector and support the Federal Government’s Blue Economy policy.
Onakughotor made the statement during the institution’s 2nd International Conference on Maritime Trade and Transport 2026, themed: “The Nigerian Maritime Sector: Harnessing the Potentials, Challenges and Future Trends,” held on Monday, at the Petroleum Training Institute Conference Centre, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. He explained that the academy specialises in maritime education and is among the few private institutions officially recognised by relevant authorities for manpower development in the marine industry. According to him, the institution combines academic learning with practical training to adequately prepare students for opportunities in the maritime sector.
His words:” It is a special school and one of the best in terms of opportunities and attention given to students because we blend our activities with practical which makes the institution unique.” The Chairman of the occasion and President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, described Nigeria as a maritime nation that is yet to attain the status of a maritime power.
(Front row), Some of the student Inductees of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria, at the ceremony
He lamented that despite the country’s numerous seaports, the maritime sector had not recorded the level of growth expected. Delivering the keynote address on “Maritime Security Architecture for Nigeria’s Blue Economy Growth,” retired Commodore Kingdom Itoko said Nigeria possesses adequate equipment to combat insecurity on its waterways. He, however, identified human factors as a major challenge and urged Nigerians to remain security conscious at all times. Itoko also charged the institution to continue equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to succeed in the maritime industry.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Prof. Christopher O. Orubu, represented by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. Kenneth U. Nnadi, said the conference theme was highly relevant to both national economies and the global trading system. According to him, the maritime sector remains a critical driver of international trade through shipping and seaport operations. He explained that while the maritime sector traditionally focuses on shipping, fishing and port operations, the Blue Economy framework integrates sustainability, innovation and environmental protection for long-term economic benefits.
Student Inductees of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria, taking oath of allegiance at the ceremony
Prof. Orubu noted that Global Maritime Academy, established in 2009, has continued to contribute significantly to capacity building in Nigeria’s maritime sector. He disclosed that the institution secured approval from the National Board for Technical Education in 2012 and currently runs National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes in Transport and Business Management, among other courses.
He commended the academic board and students for the successful organisation of the conference. The highpoint of the event was the induction of 40 students into the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria, amid cheers from participants.