‘Tell Us If You Need More Funding’, NASS Tells MAN

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The National Assembly (NASS) has assured the management of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron of its willingness to consider a supplement appropriation  to beef up the funding requirements of the Academy, if the request is made.

The parliamentary pledge made yesterday, Saturday,  December 14, 2024

during MAN 2024 Graduation Ceremony, is coming on the heels of  assessment of the massive reform and transformation that came the way of the Academy under the immediate past administration.

The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration not only commended the leadership and management of the Academy for radically turning around the institution and rewriting it’s name in the global map of maritime academies, but also observed that the Academy stands out as exemplary of institutional character with an unbeatable focus, financial discipline, hard work and commitment to nation building.

Hon. Khadija Waziri-Bukar lbrahim, the House Committee Chairman represented by Rt. Hon. Uduak Alphonsus said, “Since MAN was founded in 1977, the administration of Pastor Nseyen Ebong and the immediate past administration led by Cdr Duja Effedua (Rtd) showed capacity and leadership. The last administration turned things around radically and as lawmakers, we took note of the discipline, hard work and commitment, and Dr. Okonna was part of that administration.

“I also used to call Okonna a straight shooter, luckily the leadership has fallen on his shoulders. It is the belief of the NASS that you will consolidate and surpass the performance of your predecessors.”

Speaking further,  the lawmaker expressed willingness to support Academy’s desire to seek additional funds to maintain it’s current status regarded as world class and a beacon to the West and Central Africa sub region.

“In the last administration funds have been judiciously used, as part of that administration, we have no doubt that you’ll continue on that trajectory.  When Okonna say we will go on facility tour, in this life, no times is constantly rosy but if you’re not stagnant but resourceful, you’ll progress.

“We assure the Academy to keep counting on our support, this last seven years, you have done very well, deploying funds meticulously and reclaiming your past glory. If money approved for you is not enough, come to us and ask for more appropriation; we will do so if you ask.”

In his address, the Honourable Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, represented by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, Mr. Babatunde Bombata also expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress made by the Academy.

While assuring the Academy of the ministry’s continued support, the minister charged the leadership, management and cadets to embrace innovation and to maintain higher sense of duty it is presently known for.

“Dear graduating 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.”

Speaking on the overall growth of the industry, the minister disclosed his plans 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.

” 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.”

Earlier in his welcome address, acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna said whereas the Academy is critical to the nation’s marine and blue economy, he lamented that far too few Nigerians know about the criticality of the assets and their roles in growing the national economy.

He said that irrespective of the annual gathering of Nigerians for the purpose of of its cadets graduation ceremony, every day 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.

“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.

A 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.

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 it’s objectives of positively impacting the marine and blue economy.

Present at the ceremony was Governor Umo Eno of Akwa lbom State, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Waterways and Safety, Gen. Koko Essiet (Rtd); Members of the Governing Board; led by Board Chairman, Engr. Kehinde Akinola; former Rector MAN, Pastor Nseyen Ebong; President, Nigeria Association of Master Mariners (NAMM); President, Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES); President of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Alumni (AMANO); DG Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren; representatives of the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Navy,  Department of State Security, Nigerian Police, etc.