The commanding officer of the Naval Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Capt. Shehu Akwu has commended the rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, (MAN) Oron Mr Joshua Okpo for the infrastructural development in the academy.
Capt. Akwu made this commendation during a working visit to the Academy
on Tuesday,
The naval boss upon arrival at the academy proceeded on facility tour of projects in the Academy.
The Commanding Officer was led round the Facility by the Head, Public Relations of the Institution, Siddi Mkpandiok.
Akwu inspected the academy’s jetty, simulators, sports complex, marine engineering workshop, language laboratory, cadets’ refectory, as well as the new Phase 3 site where construction works were being carried out.
Akwu who recalled his service years at the academy fourteen years ago, reportedly expressed surprise at the high standard facilities the present management team has provided.
“I lack words to describe how impressed I am with the management for the world class facilities you have provided in the academy. With these facilities, especially the simulators, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron Cadets won’t have any excuse for poor performance when they finally get on-board ships or vessels,” he was quoted as saying.
He assured the management that his command would do whatever is within their capacity to assist the academy achieve greater heights.
Responding on behalf of the management staff, the Rector, Joshua Okpo expressed gratitude to the officer for remembering the academy and for visiting at the right time on his resumption as commanding officer.
“I want to assure you that the management will continue to work assiduously to achieve the academy’s objectives, the most important being to produce quality seafarers that will meet international standards and place Nigeria permanently on the international shipping map,” he said.
He informed the officer that the achievements recorded in the academy during his tenure would not have been possible without the cooperation of the management staff who have given him their shoulders to lean upon.
Okpo appealed to the Navy to extend their surveillance to the academy’s territorial waters in order to protect it from sea pirates.
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