The immediate past chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has been honoured as grand patron of the Global Maritime Academy (GMA) Ughelli, Delta State.
While speaking recently during his investiture on Tuesday, Tukur commended the management of the academy for recognising his effort toward the development of the maritime sector of the nation’s economy.
Tukur said: “I appreciate the Global Maritime Academy for remembering me at this time of my life. It is good to know where we are coming from; it is good to know those of us who strive in our days to make contributions to the development of the maritime industry.”
Tukur, who is also the chairman of the African Business Roundtable and a former chief executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), promised to continue to work for the actualisation of a better maritime industry.
“I am looking forward to working with you so that we can continue to promote the benefits and privilege, which maritime offers to Nigeria. My joy knows no bound especially when I listened to my citation; that took me down memory lane. I am so happy,” he stated shortly after the investiture.
The former ruling party chairman advised GMA to continue its research in the maritime
industry stressing further that he would support the development of the academy.
“This institution needs support. We must build and strengthen our institution. We must support in any way we can. I will prevail on people who have the will to continue to support the institution, the institution must move forward,” Tukur said.
Guest lecturer, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, while delivering the investiture lecture, lauded Tukur’s contribution to the development of the maritime industry including the establishment of the Ports Consultative Council (PCC) while serving as CEO of NPA and the procurement of cargo handling equipment among others.
“During Bamanga Tukur’s administration, different terminals were created to ease the
Lagos Port Complex of cargo congestion. These include Kirkiri Lighter Terminal, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, Iddo Barge Marshaling Point and the Barge Terminal at Ojo village.
“Tukur also created the Onne Waterside Emergency Wharf.”
Okaba said Tukur also started the computerization of delivery document at the NPA.
Acting Rector of the academy, Isaac Aikoroje, commended Tukur for accepting the academy’s request to honour him.
“This honour is to let him know that people appreciate his contribution to the maritime industry and this award is to help others serve well in their various capacities,” he said.
Bamanga Tukur was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), shortly after his removal as PDP Chairman in January.
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