Akwa Ibom youths under the aegis of Oro Youth Council, the third largest ethnic youth group in the state has commended the Minister of Transport, Chubuike Amaechi, and the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Commodore Duja Efedua Rtd for the rapid transformation of Maritime Academy in Oron, describing it as uncommon transformation in 42 years of its establishment.
The group, which rose from their annual Easter retreat held at Le’ Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort, weekend, in Uyo tagged, “The Way Forward” also took a critical assessment of the academy in Oron and its attendant effects on the development of Oro Nation, Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria at large.
In a communique issued after the meeting and jointly signed by Ulap Chris Ante, Leadred and former International President, Oro Union Youth Wing, Comrade Joseph Eyo Nkereuwem, President and Comrade Patrick Anwana, National Secretary, Oro Youth Council critically appraised the ongoing developmental strides in the academy for the past three years of the present management and commended the management led by Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd.) for the rapid transformation in the institution.
‘‘The performance and the ambitious pursuit of the present management led by Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd.) to transform Maritime Academy of Nigeria into a world-class institution is beginning to yield a greater impact on the economy of Oro Nation through the attraction of global attention via tourism.
‘‘The present management has carried out wonderful strides in the area of infrastructural development, provisions of IMO recommended equipments which had bedeviled the Academy for over forty Two (42) years of its existence, to mention but few: the installation of IMO standard Simulator, Mandatory Courses Equipments, Firefighting Equipments, World Class Standard Swimming pools, Standard Hostels, Multifunctional Classroom for cadets, Full Mission Bridge Simulation, Full Mission Engine Room Simulation, Multi-purpose Auditorium, Standard Medical Facility, ICT Centre and a host of others.
‘‘Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd.)-led management has donated computers to Mary Hanny Secondary School, Oron and many others to enhance ICT learning as part of its corporate social responsibilities. As good as this may be, Oro Youth Council expects more to be done by the academy as part of its cooperate social responsibilities to the area.
‘‘We are indeed thankful with all sense of gratefulness to the Honorable Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi for his overwhelming support and incredible role he played in the choice of Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd.) as the substantive Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron,’’ they stated.
The Oro Youth Council therefore, appealed to the Minister of Transport, to use his good office to ensure the academy is transformed into a degree awarding institution, having successfully completed the technical marine aspect of the academy.
While expressing their delight to the Minister and the Rector for their efforts toward ensuring that the academy becomes the best maritime institution in Africa and indeed the whole world said, Oro Youth Council was not unaware of the challenges in achieving the strides in the academy which can be peacefully resolved in a round table by the relevant institution of Oro Nation comprising Oro Union, COTR and Relevant Youth group and made the following recommendations;
‘‘That the management of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, should initiate courses that will impact skills and technical knowhow on the Oro Youths, Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large in view of the upcoming Ibaka Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom state.
‘‘That Oro Nation should be given topmost priority in the admissions of cadets into the institution.
‘‘That the management of the institution should create a relationship with the Host communities, COTR, Oron Union and other Relevant Youth group as a means to provide feedback mechanism.
‘‘That in view of the upcoming Seaport, the institution should consider sponsorship of Oro Youths to study critical courses in other to man the upcoming Seaport such as Heavy duty equipments operation.
“For over forty two years of the institution, this is the first time the academy has witnessed rapid transformation within a very short period, and called on the relevant stakeholders to please create a peaceful environment for the present management of the institution to stay focused and attain greater heights for the Academy to usher in economic development for the collective good of Oro Nation.”
