MAN Rector Bags CILT’s ‘Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence’ Award

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, has received an Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria.

The award which was presented during the 2025 National Conference and Awards Ceremony of the Institute in Lagos recently, is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to maritime education, and capacity development in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime education and training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.

According to a statement signed and made available to our reporter by Head of the Public Relations Department of MAN, Domo Umoekpe,  the President of CILT, Nigeria, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, in her remarks, highlighted the Institute’s strategic partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and commended Dr. Okonna for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.

“Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the Academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the Academy is worthy of emulation,” Mrs. Usoro stated.

Speaking to the news men shortly after receiving the award, the Acting Rector expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour, describing it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general

Dr. Okonna in a group picture with MAN’s academic staff members after receiving the award.

In his words, “This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the Management, Staff, Students and Cadets of the Academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress.”

“It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” he added.

Okonna (middle) with his entourage: Mrs Theresa Eyo;  Senior Lecturers – Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise S., Dr. Ufia Friday M;  the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and the Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe.

Dr. Kevin Okonna is a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, who has dedicated over thirty years to the service of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.

As a lecturer, he rose through the ranks, before his appointment as the Acting Rector.

Under his watch in just ten months, the Academy has achieved quite significant milestones, his leaderships has been marked by extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrading of teaching facilities, installation of transformers, restoration of public power supply to the Academy’s campus and environs, pursuance of ISO Certification for the Academy, developmemt of Conditions and Scheme of Service, development of Courses on Port State Control,  enhancement of staff and cadet welfare and many others.

His tenure has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute,  UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, IMarEST, and other global maritime bodies.

The CILT recognition underscores the Acting Rector’s enduring legacy of excellence while also reinforcing the Academy’s stance as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution.

In the Acting Rector’s entourage were distinguished  Academy’s CILT team, including the Acting Director,  School of Maritime Transport studies,  Mrs Theresa Eyo;  Deputy Registrar, SERVICOM, Mrs Odo-Ansa Eno Ekong; Senior Lecturers – Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise S., Dr. Ufia Friday M.;  the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and the Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe.