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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Governing Council of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron Akwa Ibom state has urged host communities and other stakeholders to partner with the institution to deliver statutory mandates assigned by federal government .
The Academy also commissioned 7 lock up look and 19 open stalls at EyoAbasi community market ,6000 litres solar water projects in Udung Okung village and installation of 10kva solar power at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Oron His Royal Majesty Ovong Odiong Edet Akan as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to foster unity and strengthen relationship between the institution and host communities.
Delivering his remarks at the First Quarter 2026 Citizens And Stakeholders Engagement held at the Academy on the theme “Leveraging Community Partnership For Effective Implementation of National Policy on Maritime and Blue Economy”, the Chairman of Governing Council Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola said the engagement was directed by President Bola Tinubu in his terms of reference to build strong partnership with host commmunities for peaceful coexistence .
“We gather here in compliance with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s directive to hold Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement to communicate Government activities to the citizens as a way of inclusiveness in governance.
“This is one of the cardinal objectives of the current renewed hope administration led by our President and Commander-in-Chief of Arm Forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON.
” The Governing Council and the Management of the Academy recognized the importance of the host community mutual and peaceful relationship in the achievement of its mandate as an institution.
“This informed our consistent efforts in engagement with the host community”
Akinola explained that the institution has built a reputation of excellence and professionalism in Maritime Education and Training over the years adding that any changes must align with core mission and strategic development plans.
“The Academy must align with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for the Seafarers 1978 as amended.
“This Standard is an international standard set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and is being community’s well-being.”
He said graduates of the Academy are sought after by the industry because of the standard.
“In 2025 graduation ceremony, about 80 cadets got instant employment opportunity as a result of the confidence which the industry has for the products of the Academy.
He listed projects embarked by the Academy for community relationship to include include: construction of 7 lock-up shops and 19 open stalls at Eyo Abasi, construction of 600litre Solar powered borehole at Udung Okung village and installation of 10kva Solar power facilities in the Paramount Ruler of Oron’s residence.
“And before now, we had also facilitated the rehabilitation of the power lines to improve electricity in Oron communities and our campus, this aside the solar street lights earlier installed along Academy road. The execution of these projects is to demonstrate our dedication to the host
” I hereby appeal to our host community to continue to partner with the Academy and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in our efforts to produce competent and globally certified seafarers
“Let’s retain the essence of what makes our Maritime Academy exceptional. By doing so, we’ll continue to produce skilled professionals, drive economic growth, and foster meaningful partnership.
” Let’s work together to ensure our institution remains a beacon of excellence in maritime education and training”.
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Earlier , the Acting Rector of Maritime Academy Dr Kevin Okonna disclosed that previous quarterly citizens / stakeholders engagement has been very rewarding for the institution
“The Academy takes these engagement meetings very seriously and the results have been very rewarding.
” The 1st Quarter 2025 engagement was held at the Oron Beach and focused on Safety of Inland Waterways; the Academy joined the FMMBE in Lagos for the 2nd Quater Engagement; the 3rd Quarter Engagement was hosted in the Academy and brought all the shipowners and industry stakeholders to discuss and find solutions for the lack of opportunities for shipboard training for cadets in the Academy.
” The engagement emphasized the need for public-private sector collaboration in line with the provision of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy for partnership for onboard training of Nigerian Merchant Navy Cadets”.
Okonna who was represented by the Director Research and Strategic Development in the institution Dr John Adeyanju further disclosed that 80 out 221 graduating cadets in 2025 were offered either automatic employment or sea time training .
He urged benefitting communities of the Academy’s corporate social responsibility project to.protect the facilities given to them .
Responding, the Clan Head elect of Okpo clan in Oron local government area senator Nelson Effiong commended the Acting Rector of the Academy Dr Kevin Okonna for convening the stakeholders engagement meeting adding the it was the first after many years as previous administrations in the institution never cultivated relationship with host commmunities.
” I thank the Acting Rector and wish him to continue his good works in the academy”
In a goodwill message, the Director General Nigeria Chamber of Shipping Vivian Chimezie Azubike reaffirmed the conviction of the informal sector as a critical and foundational part of the maritime value chain.
“I use this platform to issue a clear call to action for increased private sector investment within our maritime communities.
” We must move beyond seeing these areas as mere “host communities” and start viewing them as “investment hubs.” By injecting private capital into local infrastructure, cold chain technology, and sustainable aquaculture, we create a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports the National Blue Economy agenda.”
Highpoint of the First Quarter 2026 citizens/ stakeholders engagement was commissioning of market shops donated by Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron to her host community in the state .
