By Ejiro Nesisa
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Maritime University, Okerenkoko is the first choice for people who intend to make career in maritime industry. Tinubu stated this at the maiden convocation of the institution which took place in Okerenkoko in Warri South West Local Government Area recently.
According to him, one of visions of the institution is to create employment and wealth in the highly global maritime economy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by was represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN said what he has seen for day showed that in no distant time, the university would record great achievements in the area of building human capacity in maritime technology and business in line with best global practice that will place Nigeria on the list of the great maritime economies of the world.
His words:‘ From what I can see here today, I have no doubt, 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”.
According to him, he was not unaware of the challenges that the university is currently contending with adding that, such challenges are not unusual at the formative stage of the life of any institution. He however assured the institution that federal government would continue to do its best to ensure that the needs of institution in terms of infrastructure and human capacity are addressed within the limits of available resources.
He expressed joy for the establishment of the university in Okerenkoko saying, since the institution was established, ,NIger Delta region which hitherto known for crisis and militancy has known peace.
He therefore congratulated the graduands for the feat they have achieved academically just as he charged them to put their knowledge to bear in whatever they and wherever they find themselves.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used the occasion to install 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 just the instructions conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy of Education on Ex-militant Leader, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo Alias Tompolo and His Eminence King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II for their contributions towards the growth and development of the university.
His words:”I have the honour to install you Sir as the Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko. Congratulations.” In his response, the Chancellor,His Eminence King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II thanked God for the opportunity given to him to serve in this capacity adding he would use this honour accorded him to see that he transform the university to enable it rank among the best in the world. The Monarch who was flanked by the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom,HRM. Oboro Gbaraun II and the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom,HRM. Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhe I said:” God be the glory .When they were reading my citation, I was a wondered whether it was me they were referring to. We thank God for His mercies.