BY SAM DUVWODE
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari, has said that one of the core vision of his administration is to re-write the story of the neglected Niger Delta region, adding that the establisment of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko Delta State, is one of the strongest demostration and commitment of his administration to the development and progress of the Niger Delta.
The Acting Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro also noted that, the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University is a symbol of the collective aspiration of every person in Gbaramatu Kingdom and well meaning individuals across the globe of the Niger Delta.
President Buhari and the Acting Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro made the assertion over the weekend at the 1st matriculation ceremony of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, which took place at the NMU ceremonail pavalion, Kurutie Campus in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West, Delta State.
President Buhari who spoke through the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Edobor Iyamu, said, the new vision for the Niger Delta is to ensure that the huge resources of the Niger Delta are put to work for the good people of the region.
While assuring that communities in the region will enjoy the aminities and projects of the federal government, the president noted that, the amnesty programme will continue to receive the support of his administration.
The president assured that, the maritime university will be known around the world as the centre of execellence in maritime matters and a repository of knownledge of the Niger Delta.
“For the matriculating students and the pioneer staff, I enjoin you to discharge your duty with dedication and pride and to continue to carry yourselves as execellent ambassadors of this university”. President Buhari stated.
The Acting Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro noted that, the establishment of the university has to do with the collective destiny of the people of Gbaramatu kingdom and meaningful people of the Niger Delta.
Barr. Otuaro, assured that the state government will give the best of support to the growth and development of the university.
According to him, the state government is very much concerned about the university dock yard that is meant to be situated in Gbaramatu Kingdom. He noted that a committee which is being headed by himself has been constituted to interface with the federal government and NIMASA to ensuring that government come forth with a decision that will be in the best interest of all critical stakeholders of the maritime university.
The acting governor enjoined the matriculating students to take their studies serious. He advised them to concentrate their energy on what they are being taught and not to be distracted from their studies.
“To our matriculants, you are indeed a reflection of the outward working of the inward working of the mind. So, you are here to be conditioned in mind and in character when learning, so that, at the end of the day, you will become an intergrated personality”.
” You are here only for one purpose. The purpose to add value to the Nigeria society. You can only add value to humanity when you are trained. The untrained mind cannot add value and services to humanity. I enjoin you to invest sufficiently on your mind to become productive tomorrow”. Barr. Otuaro stated.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor NMU, Engr. Prof. (Mrs) Maureen Orubode Etebu in her addressed, noted that the visit of the Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo , SAN, in 2017 set the ball of NMU rolling down the path to success.
Prof. Etebu expressed thanks to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, saying his administration through the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, who chairmaned the Start-up Committee, spared nothing to give unquantifiable support that is necessary through the provision of N100,000,000.00, two 500kva electricity generators for the smooth running of the institution at the teething stage of commencement.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that, the Maritime University being the first in Nigeria is a specialized Maritime Undergraduate Degree Awarding Institution. She added that it is conceptualized as partner with Society in proferring solutions to the acute shortage of Maritime Personnel in the Global Maritime Industry and it is meant to have direct impact on the socio-economic life of the nation.
According to her, a maritime university is of strategic importance to the socio-economic growth of the country considering the enormous waterways, the geographic, economic and security importance attached to the waterways in Nigeria.
“Following this, we are determined to be information and technology-driven, to be service-oriented, to be on best practices and to provide world class educational facilities, training and exposure that would transform the entire fabric of maritime sector and the Nigeria society”. Prof. Etebu assured.
Prof. Etebu who noted that, the university has three faculties that consist of 38 undergraduate programmes, she said the first set of matriculating cadets consist of students from 24 States of the federation while the second set consist of students from 28 States in the federal republic of Nigeria.
While congratulating the first matriculating cadets of NMU in the Country, Prof. Etebu enjoined them to study smart in order to excel.
While saying that, the cadets will forever remain NMU ambassadors, she encourage them to put in their best and keep the sail steadily going through the universal water ways.
In his remarks, His Royal Majesty, King Williams Naira Ogoba, Oboro Gbaraun 11, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, who was represented by the Ibibenimowe of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, called on the federal government and NIMASA to urgently relocate the university dock yard from Lagos back to the community in Gbaramatu kingdom.
The royal father advised the students of the univerisity to stop travelling at night through the water ways.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, NMU, His Execellency Chief Timipre Sylva, noted that the university has always shown a rapid transformation in terms of capacity and development each time the council paid a visit.
The DG/CEO NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside who was ably represented by the Deputy Director/Head Public Relations NIMASA, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, assured that NIMASA will continue to do its best within the laws of NIMASA to give support to the maritime university.
Also, Engr. Chief Kessington Pondi, while congratulating the matriculants, assured that them of the community’s hospitality, adding that one of the goal of the community is to see the students graduate and return home to their parents safely.
Chief Pondi also stated that, in order to encourage the students to study hard, a cash prize of N100,000.00 will be given to students whose GDP is 4.9 and above while those whose GDP is 4.5 and above will be rewarded as N50,000.00.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the pledge by the matriculants from the various faculties of university and were admitted by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Etebu while some students with 4.5 GDP and above were rewarded with cash prizes.