The Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Kevin Okonna has clinched the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Nigeria outstanding leadership and service excellence award.
CILT said the award was given to Okonna following what it called “his outstanding contributions to capacity development” in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime training institution.
Tagged “Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport”, the conferment was the highpoint of the 2025 national conference and awards ceremony of CILT which took place in Lagos recently.
CILT Nigeria, President, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro in her remarks at the occasion highlighted the institute’s strategic partnership with MAN, Oron over the years.
Usoro who is also the pioneer Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) commended Okonna for what she called “his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment” to repositioning MAN, Oron as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.
Her words: “Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the academy is worthy of emulation.”
Apparently pleased with the award, Okonna in his remarks following the conferment of the award expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour just as he described it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general
His words: “This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the management, staff, students and cadets of the academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress. It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” he promised”.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that Okonna, a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, has dedicated over three decades to the service of MAN, Oron where he rose through the ranks from the position of lecturer to his present position as its Acting Rector.
Since his emergence as the Acting Rector ten months ago, MAN Oron has recorded significant milestones including instituting extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrade of teaching facilities and restoration of public power supply to its main campus and environs.
Okonna has vigorously pursued ISO Certification for the institution, development of conditions and scheme of service, development of courses on Port State Control, enhancement of staff and cadet welfare, among other strides.
It is also on record that he has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute, United Kingdom, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and other global maritime bodies.
Not a few stakeholders in the maritime industry including top officials of MAN, Oron witnessed the conferment of the award on Okonna. The top officials of the academy who witnessed the award on Okonna were the Acting Director, School of Maritime Transport Studies, Mrs. Theresa Eyo; Senior Lecturers – Mrs. Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise and Dr. Ufia Friday; Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs. Dorcas Titilola Imogore and the Head of Public Affairs, Domo Umoekpe.
Maritime Bits checks reveals that CILT Nigeria as a National Council of the International professional body was established in 1958 and has been involved in overseeing, regulating, training and certification of transport professionals across the country.
