‘Be worthy ambassadors in global seafaring’- Amaechi

Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon.  Chibuike Amaechi, has charged 235 graduating cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, to be good ambassadors of the Academy and Nigeria, as they engage in seafaring, and to strive to continue to update their seafaring knowledge and increase the capacity of their seafaring career.
Addressing the graduating cadets during MAN 2020 Passing Out Parade, POP, at Oron, Akwa lbom State, Amaechi congratulated the Cadets for being adjudged worthy both in character and learning to be awarded their respective certificates, noting that the certificate imposes on them greater responsibility to fly continue to exhibit the moral and academic values that is tied to their found worthy of the certificate given to them.
Represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Eno Richard Egbe, said: “To the graduating cadets, it is gratifying to note that you have been adjudged suitable both in character and learning, for the award of Higher National Diploma and National Diploma certificates respectively, which you have just received.
“I therefore urge you to see yourselves as ambassadors of the Academy in whatever capacity you find yourselves in the future. I specially congratulate the graduates and the entire management and staff of the Academy.”
The minister also commended Rector of the Academy, Commodore Duja Effedua, Rtd., Chairman Board and members, including the Academy’s Management Team for successfully repositioning the Academy into a sub regional hub in maritime education.
He also expressed satisfaction with the degree of cordial relationship between the academy and the host community, noting that no sustainable development can be achieved without a peaceful learning environment.
On his part, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral D.A. Adeniran, revealed that the Navy would be increasing its collaboration with the Academy in the coming months.
In his presentation, Effedua urged the graduating cadets to brace up for the challenges ahead, and to ensure that they engage in continuous self development to remain competitive.
He said commitment was the driving force of the achievement the Academy recorded in the past three years, even as he said he couldn’t have gone far without the industry and support of management staff, noting that the staff made the success story possible.
He said:  “In life, nothing comes easy. You will see challenges as you go out there, face them and keep trying until you overcome the challenge.
“When I was appointed as Rector, I was scared because the rot I saw on campus was challenging. However, I was lucky that I was co-opted into the IMC, and later the Governing Council came on board, and together, we have been able to overcome.
“Today, all our classes are smart teaching classes. All our students have their own personal laptops. We have Master Mariners in our ranks as lecturers, including foreign Master Mariners and our simulator is the latest in the sub-region. We did all this just because we blocked all revenue leakages; we didn’t get money from outside.”
The Rector also said he was donating his December 2020 salary to one of the graduands, for his display of character and sense of giving. Effedua said the Cadet in question donated his organ to his ailing mother.
“This Cadet got Pass to travel. He didn’t reveal why he was traveling, later we heard his mother was critically sick and needed kidney replacement. He offered his mother one of his kidneys. If management was aware, I don’t know whether I would have allowed him to go ahead or suggest something. But this is a very personal sacrifice worthy of commendation. You’re a hero, l celebrate you.
“As a token of that celebration, l am donating my December salary to you. This is just to encourage you and let the world know that we have a duty to look after one another. “