President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today installed the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom of Bayelsa State, His Eminence King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II as Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event was part of activities marking the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony held at its campus.
President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN.
Installing the reverred monarch,Keyamo said, “I have the honour to install you Sir as the chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko. Congratulations.”
This is just as the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU also conferred an Honourary doctoral degree (Honouris Causa) of Philosophy of Education on Ex-militant leader, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo Alias Tompolo and His Eminence King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II for their contributions to the growth and development of the university.
The monarch was conferred with a Honourary doctoral degree of letters (Honouris Causa).
Shortly after being installed as Chancellor,His Eminence King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II who was flanked by the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom,HRM. Oboro Gbaraun II and the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom,HRM. Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhe I thanked God for the opportunity to be installed as Chancellor of the institution.
“Let me start by saying to God be the glory. When my citation was being read, I was a little wonder whether it was me they were referring to. We thank God for His mercies.”
The monarch said being the chancellor,the NMU will be greatly honoured stressing out that,he will ensure to see that it is transformed to be number one in the world.
In an address presented at the convocation gathering, President Tinubu said,”distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am also aware of the university’s vision, which is to be the maritime institution of first choice for all those who seek to make a career in the maritime industry, and to contribute towards the creation of employment and wealth in the highly competitive global maritime economy.
“From what I am seeing here today, I have no doubt, whatsoever in my mind that, in no distant time, this university would record great achievements in the area of building our capacity in maritime technology and business, in line with best global practice that will place our nation on the list of the great maritime economies of the world.
“I am not unaware of the challenges and constraints that this university is currently contending with. Such challenges and constraints are not unusual during the early phases of the life of any institution. But I can assure you that this government, would continue to do our best to ensure your needs. In terms of infrastructure and human capacity, are address within the limits of available resources.
He said since the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU Okerenkoko, peace has returned to the entire Niger Delta region, which in the past has been a hot shot of crisis and militancy.
He congratulated the graduands for the feat they’ve achieved academically just as he urged them to put their knowledge to bear.
