The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) has expressed gratitude to the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the endorsement of the 2025 ACT, establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.
Ekpemupolo made this known in a letter signed by him.
He said the endorsement gives full legal backing to the institution, a validation, which he said the people of the Niger Delta, can’t find enough words to express their appreciation.
He said the magnanimous gesture, thus symbolizes your goodwill towards the region and the unwavering commitment to the advancement of learning and development of its people.
“It is an act that came in the nick of time, when all hope was almost exhausted”.
According to the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko, established in 2014, has been in existence, but the absence of an enabling Act hindered its full operationalization and potentials.
He added that for a decade, the institution functioned, but without full legal status. It was on a life support, gasping for desired breath to stay alive.
“Your unexpected approval and signing of the Bill into law caught us unaware and brought with it a total feeling of euphoria”, it reads.
“The ACT will provide the necessary legal framework for the university to thrive”.
“This milestone ratification will undoubtedly promote education not only amongst indigenes of the Niger Delta, but Nigeria in its entirety, bridging the knowledge gap in the nation’s maritime sector”.
“As you are aware, Ghana was the only country in the West African subregion with a Maritime University. As it is, your visionary stewardship has bridged this gap, and Nigeria is now poised to improve its capacity and manpower in the maritime sector”.
The university will not only bring development to the oil and gas communities in the Niger Delta, but also curb the pervading youth restiveness in the region. It will create employment opportunities for our teeming youths, and others across the country.
The objectives of the university, as outlined in the Act, align with your administration’s commitment to encouraging the advancement of learning, developing and offering academic and professional programmes, and promoting research and innovation.
“Mr. President, your signing of the Bill into law is indeed a testament to your friendship and dedication to the growth and development of the South/South zone” .
“Indeed, it authenticates and validates your mantra of RENEWED HOPE, for all Nigerians, no matter where they are domiciled”.
He commended the President for keeping to his promise when he visited Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Friday, November 25, 2022.
While also congratulating the people from the South/South belt, he urged them to continue to sustain the prevailing peace in their region and unite behind Mr. President in order to attract more developmental strides to their zone.
He said the President’s name have been engraved in the hearts of the citizens of the Niger Delta and assured him of their highest esteem and unwavering support for your administration.
