The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna, for the rapid infrastructural development and transformative policies and programmes that have given the Academy a significant facelift in the last few years.
The Minister, who also appreciated Dr Okonna’s leadership style and collaborative spirit between NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) and the Academy, stated his vision of strategic partnership has transformed the Academy from a teaching institution into a launchpad for global careers.
Dr Oyetola, who was represented by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Anastasia Ogbonna, made the commendations at the induction of 30 cadets of MAN Oron for training as seafarers, held recently at the academy.
The Minister observed that Dr Okonna’s relentless push for Nigerian seafarers to reclaim their place on Nigerian vessels in the maritime sector was yielding the desired fruits, stressing that the initiative has not only strengthened the indigenous maritime capacity but has also supplied globally competitive seafarers in the sector.
“This initiative will also help to diversify the economy by promoting trade, eco-tourism and safe water travels,” he added.
Read Also: A’Ibom Tourism, Blue Economy Dev’t Top On ARISE Agenda – Gov. Eno
While urging other ship owners to emulate what NLNG-NSML has done to provide more sea time opportunities to more cadets, the Minister therefore charged the newly inducted cadets to be good ambassadors of the academy to encourage the sponsors to do more.
Speaking earlier, the Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, who was physically elated by the outcome of the event, while thanking the sponsor, NLNG-NSML, for the gesture, explained that the partnership has ensured the realisation of the dreams of another set of 30 seafaring cadets from the academy in addition to the 13 cadets earlier inducted for onboard training by the NSML on the 19th December, 2025.
Dr Okonna noted that through the MAN, Oron-NSML partnership, Nigeria is assuring the global Maritime industry of its capacity and commitment to making its contributions of supplying quality seafarers to the industry.
While urging the inductees to display the positive virtues and qualities that the Academy has inculcated in them as good ambassadors, the rector informed the cadets of the desire and prayer of the global shipping industry for their certification as seafarers to enable them to contribute their quota to the reduction of the global shortage in the supply of seafarers.
He called on the cadets to place a premium value on what he described as a “rare and expensive opportunity” set before them for posterity.
“The Academy, the NSML, Nigeria, the IMO and the global shipping industry need you to be successfully certified as seafaring officers and contribute to the reduction of the global shortage in the supply of seafaring officers,” he added.
The Acting Rector thanked the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola CON, for the opportunity to not only serve but also key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to give hope to seafaring cadets in the country.
He maintained that it was through the Minister’s effort and guidance that a national policy plan on Marine and Blue Economy was developed and approval obtained from the Federal Executive Council within two years of his administration.
He also hinted that the induction of the 30 cadets was the direct outcome of the Honourable Minister’s policy direction of promoting partnership with industry stakeholders for onboard training of Nigerian seafaring cadets for global competitiveness.
Also speaking, the MD of NSML, Mr Abdulkadir Ahmed, said the induction of the 30 seafaring cadets was a strong indication and a testament to the unwavering dedication and excellence, capacity, development and industry leadership as exemplified in Dr Okonna’s leadership of MAN Oron in the last few years.
According to Mr Ahmed, NSML, being a leading provider of maritime and shipping services across the globe, has developed a reputation and competence in manpower supply of seafaring officers for global competitiveness.
Ahmed further noted that the partnership with MAN, Oron has brought together two strong institutions that share a common philosophy on which the future of the maritime sector depends.
While commending the leadership of MAN, Oron for showing capacity and preparedness, Mr Abdulkadir Ahmed insisted that the partnership with the Academy has also reflected the progressive thinking patterns of both organisations to invest in human capital, strengthen local capacity and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s Maritime industry.
While reaffirming NSML’s commitment and resolve to continue to develop world-class maritime professionals, Mr Ahmed therefore encouraged the newly inductees to remain focused, uphold the highest ethical standards and embrace the rare opportunity given to them.
Responding on behalf of the inductees, the physically elated Cadet Iwoeye Boluwatife Kamil, while thanking the leadership and management of MAN, Oron and NSML for the opportunity, promised to remain committed with renewed hope and a sense of purpose and commitment to diligently implement all the values and good qualities imbibed in them during their stay in the Academy.
