‘Let’s Recognize Our Critical National Assets In MAN’ – Okonna, Ag Rector

 …As Oyetola Pledge Continued Support for MAN

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Director Bombata, who represented the minister of marine and blue economy at the event

Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Kevin Okonna has bemoaned what he described as lack of sufficient recognition and appreciation of the national assets embedded in the Academy as he canvassed greater attention to be accorded the training institution by relevant organs of government and development partners.

A Cadet receiving her Prize awards from Bombata, while Okonna watches, holding the prize cup

Dr. Okonna who was speaking during the 2024 Cadets Graduation Ceremony on Saturday at the Academy Auditorium called for more engagements and partnership to further enhance its capability, noting the Academy’s pivotal role in the nation’s maritime industry being the point of evaluation by accredited global rating authorities including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Akwa Ibom Waterways and Safety Comissioner, Gen. Essiet (Rtd) congratulating one of the outstanding cadets, with Okonna watching

This is even as the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress made by the Academy; pledging that the ministry will continue to support the Academy  to achieve its objectives.

Okonna and the Academy Ag. Registrar (l) Mr. P.M Netson in a jaw-jaw during the ceremony

Represented by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, Oyetola  charged the leadership, management and cadets of the Academy to embrace innovation and to maintain higher sense of duty for which the institution has become a point of reference.

His words: “Dear Cadets, l urge you to embrace innovation, resourcefulness and forward thinking in your endeavours. The marine economic sector is teeming with opportunities and your contributions will be instrumental in shaping a brighter future.

“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering excellence and innovations in this field and do jointly anticipate the big impact you’ll make in your careers.”

Oyetola also used the occasion to disclose plans by the ministry to formulate a national policy framework to accelerate the development of the Marine and blue economy.

“I also like to highlight the government broader initiative to develop a comprehensive national policy for the creation of the blue economy. This policy will serve as a strategic framework to drive and empower the economic diversification, attract investments and create jobs for our youths and communities.

“Importantly, it will promote environmental sustainability, ensuring that the resources we drive today are preserved for the future generation.

Cross section of cadets upstanding during the ceremony

” I commend this institution and all other centres of excellence in the marine education and training. Together, we can harness the potentials of our marine and blue economy to serve as a vital pillar of the national economy.”

Speaking further on the need to pay greater attention to the Academy and what it represents for the nation, Okonna explained that irrespective of the annual gathering of Nigerians for the purpose of celebrating  its cadets during the annual graduation ceremony, every day, he says, offers the management, staff and students reasons to celebrate in the realization that the Academy is the purveyor of global rating and overall  assessment of the nation’s maritime domain capacities by international stakeholders and development partners.

Okonna and the chairman of board, Engr. Akinola, confering the certifcates of graduation to cadets during the graduation ceremony

“You’re welcome to the 2024 graduation ceremony of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. To us, it’s always a day of celebration because we had the opportunity to showcase the national assets that are present in this institution and we also have the opportunity to celebrate another addition of well trained personnel in the maritime and allied industry.

“For me, it’s a very special honour to stand before you today as the acting Rector of MAN and leading the management team of this great institution. We love this day because it also gives us the opportunity to take our guests round the campus. to see what they have because in many cases, we have discovered that Nigerians don’t know the assets that we have here. Many don’t understand the opportunities that are available to the young ones at a time that we need many of them to work.

Front row od dignitariesduring the ceremony

A distinguished academic and passionate insider of many years standing, Okonna said, “We pride ourselves as the pioneer maritime training institution because of the facts of the combination of this institution to national development.”

Taking guests around the assets which included the Academy Jetty, Simulators Training Centres, Swimming Pools, ICT Centre, e-Library, Nautical and Marine Engineering Workshops, Okonna explained how his predecessor, Cdr Duja Effedua turned the tide by not only procuring the different simulators but also sending staff members for overseas training on how to handle them and to receive instructions on how to impact the knowledge of the technology in providing training for its cadets.

Okonna showing guests round some of the facilities

Other facilities toured by guests and government officials include the engineering workshop, building and fabrication workshop, laboratories, marine exhibition hall, the survival pools, simulatos, fire bay, jetty and boat yard.

Affirming his determination to continue from where his predecessor passed the baton of leadership over to him, Okonna said he will ensure that the assets gets the right attention, focused on meeting its objectives of positively impacting the country’s marine and blue economy.

Cadets were awarded the Higher National Diplomas and National Diplomas in relevant discipline including Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Maritime Transport and Business Studies, and Maritime Transport and Business Management.

A total of fourteen (14) cadets drawn from both the National and Higher National Diploma classes were awarded prizes for outstanding performances cutting across academics grades and brilliance, discipline and character.