₦airaland Forum

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has commended President Bola Tinubu, for signing the bill establishing the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu kingdom, Delta State into law.

The umbrella body of the Ijaw youths worldwide said the entire Ijaw nation is overjoyed by the signing of the bill, adding that the act by President Tinubu, represents a significant milestone for the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole.

IYC, in a statement, reiterated that the momentous signing demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to equitable development across all regions of the country.

The body said the Ijaw people are ecstatic as the NMU is poised to become an intellectual asset and authority in the Nigerian and global maritime industry.

“For years, the Ijaw people, especially the hospitable residents of Gbaramatu Kingdom, have eagerly awaited this day. The establishment of the NMU is a realization of a long-held dream, marking a new dawn for the Ijaw nation,” IYC said.

“While commending President Tinubu, we urge him to prioritize the infrastructural development of the institution. The extensive land donated for the school at Okerenkoko, the permanent site, remains largely underdeveloped.

“The IYC also requests President Tinubu to expedite the approval of the floating dock in Gbaramatu. This will facilitate practical learning opportunities for students, complementing the theoretical knowledge provided at the institution.

The floating dock and the school must work in synergy for the benefit of both Nigerian students and the maritime industry.”

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Chief Ebikeme called the signing a “historic decision” and praised President Tinubu for his dedication to advancing the Niger Delta.

“I, Chief (Barr.) Bosin Ebikeme, Chairman of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the President for his historic decision to sign into law the Bill for the Establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko,” he said.

“This landmark achievement is a clear reflection of his steadfast commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and his genuine care for its people.”

The Chairman acknowledged Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, who reintroduced the bill in 2023, for paving the way for this success.

He also commended Hon. Julius Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, for his critical role in securing the bill’s passage through the National Assembly.

Chief Ebikeme expressed gratitude to High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) and Mr. Matthew Tonlagha for their over-a-decade-long dedication to the project.

“Your selfless commitment, significant resources, and relentless efforts have been instrumental in ensuring the actualization of this dream,” he noted.

He further praised the contributions of Ijaw national leader Chief Edwin Clark and His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, for their guidance.

The efforts of Senator James Manager, who initially sponsored the bill during his Senate tenure, were also acknowledged.

The Chairman recognized the steadfast support of other regional leaders, including High Chief Godspower Gbenekama JP, Deacon (Barr.) Kingsley Otuaro, and Chief Barr. Fedude Zimughan, describing their roles as pivotal in achieving this milestone.

“The establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, is not just a victory for Gbaramatu Kingdom but a significant milestone for the entire Niger Delta region,” Chief Ebikeme remarked.

“It symbolizes hope, growth, and the promise of a brighter future for our youth and communities.”
He concluded the statement by thanking President Tinubu for the “tremendous gift to the people of the Niger Delta” and extended appreciation to all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the realization of the project.

The signing of the bill into law, which took place on Monday, January 27, 2025, marks a major step toward promoting education and economic opportunities in the Niger Delta.

Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) on Wednesday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for signing into law the Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state.

Tompolo, in a letter of gratitude to Tinubu, titled “Dear President, we can’t thank you enough for this heart-warming gesture,” said the law gave full legal backing to the institution.

He said: “I am writing on behalf of the good people of the Niger Delta, especially, His Majesty Pere Oboro- Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, Council of Chiefs and proud citizens of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, to express our most profound gratitude and reverence, for your historic endorsement of the 2025 ACT, establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.

“It gave full legal backing to the institution, a validation we can’t find enough words to express appreciation.

“This magnanimous gesture, thus symbolizes your goodwill towards the region and the unwavering commitment to the advancement of learning and development of its people.

“It is an act that came in the nick of time, when all hope was almost exhausted.

“Thank you Mr. President, you touched base with us, with this act of courage.

“The Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko, established in 2014, has been existence, but the absence of an enabling Act hindered its full operationalization and potentials.”

The Chairman of TSSNL further said: “For a decade, the institution functioned, but without full legal status. It was on a life support, gasping for desired breath to stay alive.

“Therefore, your unexpected approval and signing of the Bill into law caught us unaware and brought with it a total feeling of euphoria.

“Now, the ACT will provide the necessary legal framework for the university to thrive.

“This milestone ratification will undoubtedly promote education not only amongst indigenes of the Niger Delta, but Nigeria in its entirety, bridging the knowledge gap in the nation’s maritime sector.

“Nothing skips Mr. President’s constantly roving attention. As you are aware, Ghana was the only country in the West African subregion with a Maritime University.

As it is, your visionary stewardship has bridged this gap, and Nigeria is now poised to improve its capacity and manpower in the maritime sector.”

Disclosing the importance of the University, Tompolo said, “the university will not only bring development to the oil and gas communities in the Niger Delta, but also curb the pervading youth restiveness in the region. It will create employment opportunities for our teeming youths, and others across the country.

“The objectives of the university, as outlined in the Act, align with your administration’s commitment to encouraging the advancement of learning, developing and offering academic and professional programmes, and promoting research and innovation.”

Eulogizing the President further, the Chairman said, “Mr. President, your signing of the Bill into law is indeed a testament to your friendship and dedication to the growth and development of the South/South zone .

“Indeed, it authenticates and validates your mantra of RENEWED HOPE, for all Nigerians, no matter where they are domiciled.

“I recalled that when you visited Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Friday, November 25th, 2022, you made a pledge to our people to sign the Act establishing the university into law upon your election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This is promise made and promise fulfilled. Once again, let me express our sincere appreciation for this landmark achievement.

“Your leadership has rekindled enthusiasm amongst Niger Deltans.

“It’s on this note that I also wish to congratulate and salute all of us in the South/South belt. Mr. President has done this for all of us. Let us continue to sustain the prevailing peace in our region and unite behind Mr. President in order to attract more development strides to our zone.

“Our dear Iyelawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, we are confident that your government will continue to prioritize the development of the Niger Delta.

“Your Excellency, sir, you have in this regard engraved your name in the hearts of the citizens of the Niger Delta, through this decision. Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and unwavering support for your administration.”

PressMyButton:
https://guardian.ng/news/iyc-lauds-tinubu-for-signing-nigeria-maritime-university-bill-into-law/

Chairman, Niger-Delta Basin Development Authority, Barr Ebikeme hails Tinubu for signing of Nigerian Maritime University Bill



https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/01/28/ndbda-chairman-ebikeme-hails-tinubu-for-signing-of-nigerian-maritime-university-bill/

PressMyButton:
Rotimi Ameachi, you see your life, anytime he holds a microphone now, he starts capping nonsense. You cancelled this project and relocated it to Katsina state, renamed it Transport University, Daura.
When Asiwaju was campaigning and said he would be fair to all regions, we believed him, election losers doubted him, but we can now see how he is spreading projects to all the regions. And I hope you are counting the projects. I can't believe some daftuses are saying Tinubu may not be able to campaign reelection with any projects, very funny losers. Look at how people of Delta state are paying for a full page to appreciate the President for restoring this prestigious university to Delta state. Not talking about the Northern CAN that have also come out to appreciate Mr President.
How about the people of Southern Kaduna. How about in Kogi where 5 LNG projects was sited. Are we also talking about the people of South East that are grateful to Mr President for giving them Southeast Development Commission and building Abia Airport. Let me pause here. If you think Tinubu has any opposition going into the next election, you better go to a nearby river and wash your head.

PressMyButton:
Rotimi Ameachi, you see your life, anytime he holds a microphone now, he starts capping nonsense. You cancelled this project and relocated it to Katsina state, renamed it Transport University, Daura.
When Asiwaju was campaigning and said he would be fair to all regions, we believed him, election losers doubted him, but we can now see how he is spreading projects to all the regions. And I hope you are counting the projects. I can't believe some daftuses are saying Tinubu may not be able to campaign reelection with any projects, very funny losers. Look at how people of Delta state are paying for a full page to appreciate the President for restoring this prestigious university to Delta state. Not talking about the Northern CAN that have also come out to appreciate Mr President.
How about the people of Southern Kaduna. How about in Kogi where 5 LNG projects was sited. Are we also talking about the people of South East that are grateful to Mr President for giving them Southeast Development Commission and building Abia Airport. Let me pause here. If you think Tinubu has any opposition going into the next election, you better go to a nearby river and wash your head.

Tigernut101:
Shut up there
Your god and saviour is doing nothing about insecurity and power supply.

obembet:
Some people are just too foolish and full of hatred. Can people like u ever see anything good at all?

When president do bad things.. we go condemn it, when he do good one, we should praise him as well.

If you continue like this, u will not end well o

Afrowits:
This is some how funny, so since 2014 none of the the two past presidents sign this bill even Goodluck Jonathan that is from the ND. Even though I am not a supporter of Tinubu, he has done well in this aspect of signing the bill of the institution into law.

obembet:
Some people are just too foolish and full of hatred. Can people like u ever see anything good at all?

When president do bad things.. we go condemn it, when he do good one, we should praise him as well.

If you continue like this, u will not end well o

Putindbutt:
I don't think Ameachi will be able to enter Delta state again. He made a big blunder.

Ebubu6:
I congratulate Tinubu fot what he's doing in SE.
And in addition to the Abia Airport and SEDC, I urge him to..

1. Urgently fast track PH to Maiduguri railway which crosses all SE states to Maiduguri.

2. Add Anioma state to SE.

Tigernut101:
Shut up there
Your god and saviour is doing nothing about insecurity and power supply.

lordwoz:
I don't really understand but the university have been there nau?

Cleanmouth:
Thank you Tinubu ✅

Stupid Rotimi Amaechi out of wickedness ignored the institution and focused on the school in Daura.



Goodluck Jonathan started the institution from beginning, I still remember how the town was shut down during the ground breaking by Johnathan. He also sited a huge gas project there but Buhari did not continue it.

Tigernut101:
This rubbish you wrote here did not make any sense to my point. You can praise your lord and savior for all I care but saying he has no opposition in 2027 is the height of it. Development without security is equal to nothing.

PressMyButton:
Rotimi Ameachi, you see your life, anytime he holds a microphone now, he starts capping nonsense. You cancelled this project and relocated it to Katsina state, renamed it Transport University, Daura.
When Asiwaju was campaigning and said he would be fair to all regions, we believed him, election losers doubted him, but we can now see how he is spreading projects to all the regions. And I hope you are counting the projects. I can't believe some daftuses are saying Tinubu may not be able to campaign reelection with any projects, very funny losers. Look at how people of Delta state are paying for a full page to appreciate the President for restoring this prestigious university to Delta state. Not talking about the Northern CAN that have also come out to appreciate Mr President.
How about the people of Southern Kaduna. How about in Kogi where 5 LNG projects was sited. Are we also talking about the people of South East that are grateful to Mr President for giving them Southeast Development Commission and building Abia Airport. Let me pause here. If you think Tinubu has any opposition going into the next election, you better go to a nearby river and wash your head.

greatiyk4u:
Must it always be about reelection?
No one is happy in hunger?

Is there any government that did nothing?

Afrowits:
This is some how funny, so since 2014 none of the the two past presidents sign this bill even Goodluck Jonathan that is from the ND. Even though I am not a supporter of Tinubu, he has done well in this aspect of signing the bill of the institution into law.