Global Maritime Academy Agbowhiame is a Beacon of Light to Nigeria Maritime Industry ------ Professor Tonukari

By Wilson Macaulay

The Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari  who represented  His Excellency, RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive  Governor of Delta State yesterday January  31st 2024 as the Special Guest of honor in his official statement  described  Global Maritime Academy , Agbowhiame  Nigeria  in Ughelli South LGA  as a pride to Delta State Government.

Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari made this remark  at the Conference Centre of the Petroleum Training institute PTI Effurrun , when  the Global Maritime Academy (GMA) commemorated its 15th Years Anniversary with a grandiose  Graduation  Ceremony and a Passing out Parade with relevant stakeholders in the Maritime industry in attendance.

 

Professor Tonukari , the Delta Higher Education Commissioner in his address advised the  Global Maritime Academy Management in order to maintain the good track record   to adhere and stay strickly within the limit of accredited     programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)  in the years ahead   through a  seamless liaison with the Ministry of Higher Education which is the State supervisory instrument,  to improve teaching, review and update curriculum across levels in order to effectively promote professionalism.

 While appreciating   Global Maritime Academy for the Milestone already achieved in the last fifteen years ,  the Delta Higher Education Commissioner  charged Global Maritime Academy not to rest in her oars but should rather   re -double their diligence , effort and the productivity required to effectively propel the institution to greater heights because education is a fundamental sinequanon  for the  development of every meaningful society.

Prof. Tonukari acknowledged  GMA request for funding  assistance from the Delta State Government, and he promised to forward the request of GMA  from  the Chairman of  Governing Council  Prof Christopher Orubu to Governor Sheriff Oborovwori of Delta State for appropriate action.

 ln his key note, address,Professor Christopher Orubu, the Chairman of Governing  Council who

appreciated the collective effort of dedicated faculty, staff and students of the lnstitute, also  specially  thanked  Prof.  Tonukari  the Delta State Higher Education  Commissioner,  who was the guest of honor at the well attended Global Maritime Academy 15th Years Anniversary/ Convocation Ceremony .

Prof Orubu, stated in his key note   address that over the past 15 years,  Global Maritime Academy has grown from strength to strength , shaping the future of Maritime industry 

by nurturing young minds and providing them with  knowledge and skills necessary for success in their respective discipline within the Maritime sector.

 Orubu the Academic Don  in his capacity as the Chairman of Council, expressed his pride in the academy's achievements over the last 15 years. He emphasized GMA's  commitment to excellence and the continuous pursuit of innovation in maritime education.

The erudite Chairman of Council also thanked the esteemed partners of GMA who  stood by the institution through thick and thin  by giving  their invaluable guidance,  expertise and resources, thereby playing pivotal role in the  growth and success story of Global Maritime Academy which is today celebrated as a beautiful pride of Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Earlier in his opening speech, the  Chairman of the Occasion,

Chief Obilo Ogbonna , the Chief Executive Officer of Mercury Rail and Mobility Limited , noted that the team   "  "GMA Sailing Towards the Future of Maritime industry in Nigeria"  Perfectly encapsulates the remarkable journey of Global Maritime Academy as an esteemed institution with profound impact on the National Maritime landscape.

He emphasized that  the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which has created the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has made Global Maritime Academy even more relevant as a supermarket for the supply

of well granded seafarers,  a pool of policy formulators , skilled manpower, which is pivotal in shaping the future of the Maritime and blue economy sectors.

Dr Mike Egbago , the Rector Global Maritime Academy in his welcome address appreciated Prof Christopher Orubu , the Chairman Governing Council and the Pioneer Rector Engr lsaac Aikoroji for tilling the soil

on which GMA is building her success story  unfettered.

Dr Mike Egbago  asserted  that the 15th  anniversary is a testament of the positive  result and impact which the Global Maritime Academy has made so far through hard work, dedication , and the input of all those who has been partners in the incredible journey of her  Academic excellence.

Egbago who further expressed optimism about the future of GMA said: " What GMA has become   today is a reflection of the trust and confidence which the relevant  stakeholders have in our institution and   we assure you that as we celebrate this milestone , we can confidently look forward to the future with  a better and a greater enthusiasm."

Mr Ejiro Dennis Onakughotor, the Proprietor, Global Maritime Academy, Nigeria in his goodwill message ,,  stated that Global Maritime Academy will not rest in past achievements of the Giant Strides  recorded ,  but will remain  commitment to the continuous growth and evolution of maritime education and best  industry practices in the face of evolving realities.

Mr Onakughotor  further reaffirmed that  GMA will remain committed to  producing skilled professionals  some of whom  are already  contributing  significantly to the ever-evolving global maritime landscape as proud alumni of GMA.

The grandiosity of the occasion was heightened by Udje  cultural performances, musical interludes, and a visually stunning Passing out Parade colourful comparable to  that of the Nigerian Navy.  The atmosphere was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment as graduands , marked the beginning of their professional journeys in the maritime industry.

Dr Chris Mitchell Osazuwa delivered the First Lecture, titled , Sea Safety and Security in Nigeria, Concerns and Solution while the Second Leture titled,

Marine and Blue Economy: Opportunities Challenges and Development was delivered by the pragmatic A M Rammads PhD.

We recall that the GMA festivities began with a prelude on January 26th, as the academy organized a Press Conference chaired by Prof Christopher Orubu, the esteemed Chairman of Council. The press conference which took place at the main campus along Secretariat Road  Agbowhiame, Ughelli South , Delta State Nigeria   set the tone for the event which took place yesterday at the PTI Conference Centre, highlighting the significant accomplishments and contributions of the Global Maritime  Academy in the maritime industry.

The grand finale of the convocation ceremonies will be  coming  up on the 2nd of February 2024 at the Main

Campus at Agbowhiame, Ughelli South 

LGA Delta State.

Mr Dafe Ogunje (JP) the Registrar of the institute who echoed the Academic prowess of GMA  in his vote of thanks acknowledged , appreciated and  commended the presence of each and every one who made the function

outstanding, thick and memorable.

The Registrar also thanked all the stakeholders  who were present as industry leaders and  veritable platforms   to share insights and discuss the future trends and challenges in the maritime industry.

Ogunje  prayed God Almighty to guide all participants to their respective destination  with peace and harmony.