The federal government has charged cadets from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria to make good use of the nation’s blue economy opportunities prevailing in the Maritime sector.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola while addressing graduands at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron on Thursday said the Blue Economy holds enormous potential which the graduating Cadets must take advantage of.
“As you embark on your maritime career, remember that the sea is vast and unpredictable, your training here has equipped you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the oceans with precision and expertise”.
“Today is not just a day of graduation; it is a day of commencement, a day that symbolizes the dedication, hard work, and resilience that these cadets have exhibited throughout their rigorous training.
” You have successfully navigated the challenges of the maritime academy, proving your mettle and commitment to this noble profession.
The Minister who was represented by Mr Tunde Bombata in the Department of Maritime Safety and Security reminded the graduating cadets that the maritime industry plays an important role in the economic growth and development of the nation adding that trained personnel remain a key driver to sustain the sector.
“The maritime industry plays a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of our nation and it relies on trained personnel like you to maintain its sustainability and operational efficiency.
Oyetola acknowledged the dedication of staff of the premier Maritime Academy of Nigeria in shaping those he described as future leaders in the Maritime sector.
“Your guidance has been instrumental in nurturing these cadets into skilled and responsible professionals”.
He said federal government was committed to the transformation of the maritime industry with confidence that through it economic growth in the areas of job/wealth creation and diversification of the economy will be achieved.
Oyetola explained that the Blue Economy is a key driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration and assured the graduating Cadets and maritime stakeholders that efforts aimed at resolving seatime issues are in top gear as extensive consultations are being carried out for a definite policy framework that could resolve the sea time challenge, permanently.
The Rector of the Academy, Cdre. Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd) advised the Cadets to imbibe the culture of humility at all times in the course of their careers.
“Let me assure and reassure the honourable minister that the Academy has evolved and attained international recognition”
With pictures and illustrations from slides, the Rector showed practical clips of courses/training done abroad and compared them with what the Academy offers in Nigeria.
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“As you can see, there is nothing done abroad that we cannot do here because we have the equipment and the lecturers to deliver the same if not better training to maritime and oil and gas professionals”
“The Academy has come of age and the facilities we have are first-class. We offer simulator-based courses which are not done in any other country in the West Africa sub-region”
“Nigeria is presently on the White List of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and that is on the strength and capacity of the Academy”
The Rector disclosed that the International Maritime Organization (IMO ) recognizes and supports the Academy while the Abuja MoU is working with the institution adding that many cadets working on board vessels around the world are proof of global recognition and acceptability of the Academy in the global market.
“Persons who look for operational gaps or abrupt, unexpected system failure to make rude, unpatriotic statements must be ignored because such persons do not mean well for this country”
The Rector appreciated stakeholders in their support for and contributions to the transformation of the Academy even as he admitted that there is plenty of work to be done to consolidate the global status of Maritime Academy of Nigeria.
