As Maritime Academy Cadets Outshine Others!

The 2025 World Maritime Day celebration, apart from being well attended, left many cheering and applauding as Cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, ran away with top prizes at the event even as their strides and salute drew admiration and ovation from dignitaries and other participants at the occasion.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Uzoma Favour Elochukwu, a final-year cadet of Maritime Transport and Business Management at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, who won the 1st prize in the essay writing competition said “I feel deeply honoured to receive this award. It is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the quality training and guidance I have received from the Academy”

“I believe my win came from aligning my essay with the 2025 World Maritime Day theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” I examined Nigeria’s pressing maritime challenges,such as piracy, marine pollution, port congestion, and illegal fishing,and provided practical solutions that support NIMASA’s vision for safe, secure, and sustainable shipping”

“This recognition inspires me to keep developing myself and to remain open to more opportunities in the maritime sector, even after graduation”

“As I prepare to complete my program, I am committed to contributing to Nigeria’s blue economy through innovation, efficient port management, and sustainable maritime practices”

Adegbuyi, Emmanuel Adebayo  and Utibe-Obong, Uwem are other Cadets of the Academy who clinched juicy prizes at the WMD 2025, held at the Eko Hotel and suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, who cheered his Cadets all the way, expressed his delight and satisfaction with what the Academy has done and continues to do in the area of training and capacity building for Nigeria’s Maritime industry.

In an event sideline chat with Maritime Nigeria, Dr Okonna said “We are very happy, proud and excited by this development. Out Cadets have shown capacity, demonstrated brilliance and preparedness to navigate the future professionally as far as Maritime operations are concerned”

“The Academy is open to partnerships and collaborations with institutions in ensuring a competent workforce for Nigeria and the entire global Maritime shipping community as we are aligned and compliant to IMO guidelines” Dr. Okonna said

Delegation from the Academy to the WMD 2025 were the Chairman of MAN Governing Council, Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, the Acting Registrar, Mr. P. M. Netson, the Director, Research& Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju, director of Human Resources, Mr. Yusuf Ishola, head of Quality Control, Dr. Lawal Akeem, head of legal, Barr. Enobong Ekpo, PA to the Rector, Hope Inyang, Head of Public Affairs, Domo Umoekpe as well as instructors and Master Mariners of the Academy.