President Tinubu Government Sensitive To Community Development – Okonna, MAN Rector

BY KESIENNA SHEPHERDS

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Monday, hosted its First Quarter 2026 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement at the Academy’s Main Auditorium, with the theme “Leveraging Community Partnership for Effective Implementation of National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.”

Delivering the welcome address on behalf of Acting Rector Dr. Kevin Okonna, the Academy emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains sensitive to community development. Dr. Okonna noted that the quarterly engagements are designed to inform citizens of government policies, secure community partnerships, and measure institutional performance. He highlighted recent successes, including employment and sea time opportunities for cadets through collaboration with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, and the commissioning of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects such as lock-up shops, solar-powered boreholes, and renewable energy installations in host communities.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, underscored the Federal Government’s directive on Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement as part of inclusive governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed the importance of maintaining peaceful relations with host communities and preserving the Academy’s unique identity and professional orientation.

Akinola reaffirmed the Academy’s reputation for excellence in maritime education, citing adherence to international standards such as the IMO’s Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). He cautioned that while proposals to convert the Academy into a university may bring changes, care must be taken not to dilute its specialized focus and global recognition.

He appealed to the host community to continue partnering with the Academy and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to produce competent and globally certified seafarers.

His Royal Majesty, Offong Odiong Akan, Paramount Ruler of Oron, expressed gratitude for the Academy’s CSR projects, describing them as life-changing interventions that promote commerce, public health, and sustainable energy. He assured continued community support for their sustainability.

Contributing, Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Director General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, commended the Academy’s initiatives and emphasized the importance of aligning national maritime policies with community realities. She called for increased private sector investment in local infrastructure, aquaculture, and cold chain technology, describing the CSR projects as “infrastructure of dignity” that empower communities and strengthen the Blue Economy agenda.

Head of Department, MAN Public Relations, Domo Umoekpe in a release made available to our reporter informed that the First Quarter 2026 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement showcased the Maritime Academy of Nigeria’s dual commitment to maritime education and community empowerment.

With strong partnerships between government, industry, and host communities, the Academy continues to advance the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy while fostering socio-economic development in Oron and beyond.