Again, MAN Oron Reinforced Visionary Leadership Showcase in Maritime

BY KESSIENA SHEPHERDS
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, under the dynamic stewardship of its Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, has once again demonstrated its unwavering resolve to position Nigeria at the forefront of global maritime education and training.
At the recent Lagos commemoration of the Day of the Seafarer 2026, Dr. Okonna delivered a goodwill message that resonated with clarity, vision, and technocratic brilliance. He described seafarers as the “indispensable backbone of global shipping,” emphasizing their role in sustaining international trade, economic growth, and global connectivity.
Dr. Okonna’s address was not merely ceremonial, it was a reaffirmation of MAN Oron’s strategic commitment to producing world-class, safety-conscious, and globally competitive seafarers. His words reflected a leader deeply attuned to both the administrative demands of maritime governance and the evolving standards of international regulation.
While Lagos hosted dignitaries and stakeholders, cadets at MAN Oron’s main auditorium in Akwa Ibom State engaged in a parallel programme of lectures, mentorship sessions, and career-shaping presentations. This dual celebration underscored Dr. Okonna’s hallmark administrative foresight: ensuring that every event becomes both a platform for recognition and a classroom for transformation.
“On this Day of the Seafarer 2026, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria proudly identifies with seafarers across the globe for the critical work they do to keep the wheel of commerce turning. As we celebrate in Lagos, our cadets in Oron are being mentored and prepared to take their place in the future of global shipping,” Dr. Okonna declared.
Central to his message was a strong reaffirmation of MAN Oron’s strict adherence to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). Dr. Okonna stressed that the Academy’s training programmes are meticulously aligned with international benchmarks, ensuring Nigerian seafarers remain competitive in the global maritime arena.
He urged Nigerian seafarers to embody discipline, professionalism, and safety consciousness, assuring them that MAN Oron will continue to equip them with the knowledge, competence, and practical skills required to excel internationally.
“The Academy remains committed to implementing the STCW Convention in detail and will continue to produce seafarers who are globally competitive, safety-conscious, and outstanding ambassadors of both the Academy and Nigeria,” he affirmed.
The Day of the Seafarer, observed annually on June 25, was established by the 2010 Manila Conference to honour the indispensable contributions of seafarers worldwide. This year’s celebration, marked by MAN Oron’s visionary participation, reinforced the Academy’s reputation as a beacon of maritime excellence and a testament to Dr. Okonna’s technocratic leadership.