House of Reps Committee Lauds Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Maritime Academy for pioneering Excellence in Nigeria's Blue Economy The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has applauded the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, at ensuring that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria transmits to its present world-class status and also for pioneering the birth of Nigeria's Blue Economy Policy. Speaking during the oversight visit to the Academy the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Khadija Ibrahim said, the institution is a vital national asset that is critical to the realisation of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians and called on all stakeholders to continue supporting the Academy to continually produce the specialised manpower required for harnessing the full benefits of the blue economy. While also expressing satisfaction over the budgetary performance of the Academy, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Uduak Alphonsus Odudoh who was a representive of the Chairman of the Committee thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Governing Council for the institution, which, according to him, has aided the smooth running of the institution. "The budget performance report sent to the committee was examined beforehand, and today, seeing the implementation of capital projects, we are satisfied.” The lawmaker further appreciated the Acting Rector for consolidating the achievements of the former administration and maintaining a cordial relationship with the host community. He said, “Most importantly, I want to commend the Acting Rector. He has started on a very good note. Having stayed here for a very long time, he has learnt the ropes. He has chosen to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and to also correct what seems to be the errors of the past because nobody is perfect.” "Leadership is not just about policies. It’s also about relationships. Before I came here, members of the host community called me and spoke highly of Dr. Okonna’s commitment is within just three months in office. A peaceful environment is key to progress, and he’s ensuring just that. We have discussed a couple of things, and from all indications, he will perform excellently well.” "Dr. Kevin Okonna is like putting a square peg in a square hole. He is a veteran as far as this institution is concerned. His ability to simplify complex technical details for even a layman to understand speaks volumes of his expertise.” Odudoh also emphasised that the massive infrastructural and training facilities upgrade in the Academy requires regular funding for sustenance and therefore called on the entire maritime industry stakeholders to continue to support the Academy. "At the Marine Engineering Department, the instructor told us how the machines and ship engines are dismantled and reassembled by cadets during practicals. You cannot find that in most of the universities in Nigeria offering Marine Engineering. So, our only prayer is that this school has to be sustained and upgraded. We also appreciate the environment. It's one of the neatest institutions in Nigeria.” When questioned about five percent NIMASA allocation to the Academy, he said, "Following our last visit, the issue of 5% was raised and a subcommittee was constituted, headed by one of our colleagues, work is still ongoing, the current DG of NIMASA is very cooperative, we are optimistic about a positive resolution soon.” "As a committee, as members of the house of representatives, we will do everything within the ambit of the law to ensure that we support this school to grow so that Nigerians will continually be proud of it,” he added. In his remarks, the Acting Rector of the MaritimeAcademyofNigeria, Dr Okonna thanked the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for providing the needed guidance and support for the Acadèmy to transform to its present status and reaffirmed Academy's role as a crucial pillar of Nigeria's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) White List compliance. He highlighted that aside from the regular national and higher national diploma programmes, the Academy also runs about forty-eight specialised courses for shore-based staff and seafarers. Dr. Okonna, however, pointed out the critical challenge of engaging industry experts to train cadets and students due to financial constraints, leaving the institution only with the choice of utilising the services of retired maritime experts on contractual basis. “And we say kudos to the Honourable Minister, the pioneer minister of the ministry, for directing the process for the establishment of this marine and blue economy policy. “We congratulate him for his ingenuity at taking that step first. We are going to build the industry based on this policy, which has been well articulated and the strategies that have been incorporated into it. It is worth reiterating that the Academy is captured in that policy document as the training arm of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; that is how important the Academy is to the ministry and indeed the country,” he said. From the Desk of the Head of Public Affairs
MAN Public Affairs Department