Dr. Kevin Okonna with his Symbolic Plaque of Honour as a Distinguished Maritime Personality, Dmp!

As Minister, DG NIMASA receive accolades for their inputs 

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration who visited the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron,  recently as part of their oversight function have commended the Academy’s Management team, led by the acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna.

The Reps delegation led by Hon Uduak Udodoh, Deputy Chairman of the Committee,  commended the acting Rector for his pragmatism, professionalism, vision and focus on how he has  administered the Academy within the period under  his leadership-citing the projects he has executed and the team spirit exhibited by management and staff of the Academy which has made the institution attractive and more conducive for learning.

In his  presentation,  Dr. Okonna, metioneed the activation of uninterrupted power supply through electricity, generators and solar sources; on going construction of the Naval Quarters  as well as construction of an auditorium tailored for marine engineering and other programmes.

The acting Rector also informed the NASS members of rehabilitation of survival pools, erosion control measures, and CSR projects such as reconnecting the Eyo Abasi community to the national grid, supply of electricity  to the paramount ruler’s palace amongst others.

Hon Udualk Udodoh, said  “The acting Rector, has not only gavin a comprehensive report to us, he has taken us round the projects appropriated for in the 2025 budget. The 2025 budget performance will guide and enable the National Assembly know what to do concerning the 2026 budget”.

Rep. Uduak Udodoh  and Dr. Kevin Okonna in discussions during the visit

The deputy chairman of the Committee thanked the Acting Rector for his discipline and Judicious use of funds. Hon Udodoh also expressed delight on the  local and international partnerships entered into by the Academy which have opened doors of opportunities for Cadets of the Academy, describing the 80 job placements secured for Cadets within a year as a feat in the history of the school.

Other members of the Committee consisting of Hon Rodney Ambiaowei, Hon Olufemi Ogunbanwo, Hon Mark Esset and others, openly expressed their fascination and admiration of the Academy. “If this kind of transformation could be copied and executed in other agencies and institutions, the Renewed Hope Agenda would be a huge success” they said.

They urged the Rector and his team to continue the good work they are doing by staying focused, sustain the peaceful relationship with the host communities and ensure growth and further development of the Academy.

For Hon Rodney Ambiaowei, a Marine Engineer who  as an under graduate visited the Academy for different practical lectures and training it was a home coming.

He observed that the academy has been repositioned and transformed beyond what it used to be  years ago. He therefore commended the acting Rector and assured that the national assembly will continue to support the Academy to achieve its vision as the foremost Maritime Training Institution, MTI, in Africa.

Hon Mark Esset, as a son of the soil and member of the Committee, hailed the Rector for tireless efforts! He thanked Dr.  Okonna for a job well done, the professional membership offered to Cadets of the Academy and the foreign agreements reached by the Academy on behalf of the Cadets-citing Academy’s audit and certification by the Standards Organization of Nigeria, SON,  as unique and a plus to trainings offered by the academy.

Hon Udualk Udodoh, in a chat with the media,  commended the Hon Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON, for his ingenuity at driving the nation’s Marine and Blue Economy.  The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, was also commended timely release of  statutory funds of the academy.

Dr. Okonna disclosed that the National Assembly’s  budgetary approvals has helped in getting the academy to where it is. He told the National Assembly members that under his leadership, the Academy is in sync with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He equally assured of the Nigerian Merchant Navy with the requisite man power  while repositioning MAN, the Academy as internationally recognised centre of excellence  in the world.