Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has assured members of the Ministerial Committee on reforming, restructuring and re-positioning of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron of his administration’s support to enable them achieve their mandate.
Governor Emmanuel who gave the assurance when members of the Committee called on him at the Government House, Uyo said, “African countries pay more attention to Governance rather than fixing structures that would enhance their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through robust economic investment… democracy cannot work if we don’t fix the economy”
He called on private organizations and public spirited individuals to complement government’s effort in its drive to restructure the Academy.
The Governor noted that the Academy has contributed immensely to the development of maritime industry in the country by extension Africa given it status as a key training institution which has produced key operators of the maritime sector.
He expressed optimism that the Committee would ensure the upgrading of the Academy to a Degree awarding institution saying that the quality of graduates of the Academy will determine its reputation.
“Your coming also excites our minds because we believe you are working back the goal of us having a Maritime University. Every institution of this nature adds to the economic value of the state and country where it is established. Be rest assured that the state government will give maximum support to enable this Committee realize it objective”, the Governor stated.
Governor Emmanuel said that the state is highly endowed with a beautiful shore line of about 129km and a 17.3 meters drought which compels the need for a Deep Seaport and the Oil and Gas Harbor which would serve as experimental ground for the Academy as also accommodate product of the institution.
He commended the Committee members for accepting to sacrifice their comfort for the benefit of the society. “Let me specifically thank those of you that have decided to serve in the Committee because these days things are not what it used to be. The economy has changed; you foot your transportation, accommodation and feeding bills. In Committees of this nature, you ‘re only giving back to the society “
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Ministerial Committee, Chief Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi, said the visit which is their first assignment after the inauguration of the Committee was to enable them familiarize with the state administration and to canvass support to enable them undertake their assignment.
He said they were mandated by the Minister of Transport Mr Rotimi Ameachi to undertake inspection of the Maritime Academy Oron which is one of the foremost Nautical Colleges in the country having been established forty years ago.
He regretted that the Academy lacks proficiency qualification to guarantee easy recruitment of Cadets from the school by operators of International shipping industries and assured of the Committee’s determination to re-position the institution for productivity and global recognition.
Chief Sarumi stated that the team comprises seasoned experts in the maritime industry and sued for cooperation from the state administration as well as the catchment community to facilitate a hitch – free assessment of physical facilities within and outside the institution and other expected assignment.
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