…Provost Lists Achievements as 10 Cadets Get Distinctions
The founder of Charkin Maritime Academy (CMA), Chief Charles Kinikanwo Wami has hailed the former governor of old Rivers State, His Eminence, King Alfred Diete-Spiff inputs in the strides the academy has made since it was established seven years ago.
Describing Diete-Spiff who is presently the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as “my mentor”, Wami stated that the support and encouragement of the royal father who became governor of the oil and gas rich state at the tender age of 26 was instrumental to the numerous achievements of CMA over the years.
Maritime Bits had reported that since the inception of CMA, Diete-Spiff has been its Chairman, Governing Council.
Wami stated this at the maiden passing out parade (POP) convocation ceremony and award of diploma and prizes to CMA graduands in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently.
He also used the occasion to thank the Rivers State Government for its support over the years even as he enjoined it and other stakeholders to make CMA their baby for the actualization of its vision in human capacity development especially for the youths who have the desire to take up careers in the maritime industry.
Apparently mindful of the high number of youths roaming the streets because they lack direction and are not employable since they lack the requisite skills, Wami said: “Please, in the name of God, try and encourage our youths to have a good living. The training programmes in this school should be the baby of the Rivers Sate Government. All stakeholders should key into this academy vision to ensure that its goal to advance human capacity development is attained. This is the only way we can have youths that have the requisite skills and knowledge to take over from us in the future.”
The Provost of CMA, Dr. Egben Ogbonnaya Okore in his speech stated that the academy is a private maritime education and training institution established in 2016 by Wami out of what he called “a burning desire and passion” for the development of manpower in Nigeria’s maritime sector and the global maritime industry.
He used the occasion to enumerate the numerous achievements of CMA since its establishment. These include full accreditation and admission of its courses by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the inclusion of its programmes in the brochure of Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) as well as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Supervised Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES): designation as a Certificate of Competency (CoC) Preparatory Course Centre and an Examination Centre; and the provision of placements of its cadets in the mandatory 12 months mandatory sea time.
Others are enhanced training facilities; 200 bed capacity cadets’ hostels; new laboratory complex; e-library; staff employment and development in terms of further studies and training in Nigeria and overseas; as well as full boarding facilities as day students are not permitted in CMA.
Okore commended the Chairmen of Andoni/Opobo, Port Harcourt City Council, and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas for what he called “their courage and magnanimity” in sponsoring Merchant Navy cadets in CMA.
While congratulating the graduands for successfully completing their programmes of study, the Provost charged them to remain focus on their set goals and objectives so that they do not betray the confidence repose in them by the school, parents and sponsors.
The high point of the POP was the presentation of awards of diploma and prizes to deserving graduands. While Ukotije Gogo Hezekiah was declared the overall best graduating cadet, three got distinctions in Nautical Science, and seven others got distinction in Marine Engineering,
The colourful POP attracted dignitaries and stakeholders in the maritime industry from far and near. They include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), government officials, parents and family members of the graduating cadets.
