Considers Strategies to Strengthen community relations

Affirming and subscribing the the universal principle of hitting the ground running, the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Dr. Kevin Okonna, has reiterated that the Academy to is committed to fostering lasting partnership with its host communities through the launch of impactful Corporate Social Responsibility programmes such as inland waterways safety awareness campaign.

Specifically speaking  when receiving a delegation led by the  Executive Chairman of Oron Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Asukwo Okon Enweme,  in his office, the Acting Rector hinted on his plans and vision for the Academy’s host communities,.

Addressing the delegation, Dr. Kevin Okonna said “We are very conscious of our corporate social responsibility towards our host community and we will not fail in making sure that our presence is felt. There are things to be done to create that impact and the Academy’s Management is committed to bringing that impact to bear.”

“We are actively pursuing strategic partnerships with leading international organisations and relevant national institutions to sponsor safety awareness campaigns and our focus is on equipping operators and users of inland waterways with vital knowledge and skills for safe boat operations in the host community.”

“The initiative which is in tandem with the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, towards curbing boat mishaps in Nigeria, would go beyond saving lives at sea, to underscoring Academy’s value in enhancing national development,” the Ag Rector said

Dr. Okonna seized the opportunity to drew the attention of the Local Government Council Chairman to the massive development in the Academy courtesy of efforts of past administrations, especially that of the immediate past Rector, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd).

He emphasized that the Academy being an international institution has a duty to adhere to international best practices to continue being relevant in the global maritime scene adding that his administration would remain firm and resolute on attaining and maintaining international standards.

He reiterated the need for stability in the institution to sustain the momentum of development and therefore urged the Local Government Boss to partner with the Academy for the achievement of that objective.

The  Executive Chairman of Oron Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Asukwo Okon Enweme thanked the Acting Rector for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage and assured him of his continuous support towards the development of the Academy.

The Chairman congratulated the Acting Rector on his appointment as the Academy’s Acting Rector and expressed his satisfaction over the massive transformation the institution has undergone over the years.

He reminisced over the host community’s cordiality with past Rectors, which according to him has provided conducive working atmosphere and peaceful coexistence between the Academy and its host community.

In his words, “Years ago, when the Academy needed more land to actualise its university status dream, I facilitated that process. I have always and would continue to ensure that the host community contributes its quota towards the development of the Academy. The Academy would outlive all of us, so it behooves us to ensure we make positive impacts whilst we are still alive,” he noted.

Hon. Enweme further pledged his unwavering support towards the Acting Rector’s administration. He encouraged him to remain focused and undeterred in the face of occasional distractions while leveraging them as a tool for performance enhancement.